If you've already started drinking not all is lost, there are still a few things you can do. Try alternating hard and soft drinks or just drinking slower. Also remember to drink to your size, as there is no point trying to keep up with the girls on the local rugby team, you'll lose...and it will be messy. If you want to give your head the best chance in the morning there are a number of drinks best avoided: sparkling drinks like champagne or rum and coke will take the booze straight to your head, as will cognac, brandy, whisky and red wine. On the other hand gin and vodka will be kinder to the head (although not for the soul).