How can I pace myself during a night out?

The answer

Decide on a limit before you begin, tell a friend, and treat that limit as a ceiling, not a target. Eat a proper meal before you go and snack through the evening, alternate each cocktail with a glass of water, and sip rather than gulp. Choose longer drinks, or a non-alcoholic option, between rounds. Stirred drinks made entirely of spirits can be stronger than they look, so go slowly. It is always fine to skip a round, and a good friend will not pressure you.