Spring is here, and along with come it parties, family get-togethers, graduations, proms, and other such spring oriented special events. To some, even those who normally do not partake of alcoholic beverages, the season may seem like the perfect time to have a few "social" drinks. April is Alcohol Awareness Month, so in the interest of public service, here are a few alcohol related facts to consider before you pop that tab, uncork that bottle, or screw the top of that long-neck bottle.

To begin with -- simply don't make alcohol the main focus of any get-together. If you happen to be the host, be sure to provide plenty of nonalcoholic foods and drinks. You may want to consider foods such as pizza, stuffed potatoes, or cheese and crackers along with juice or nonalcoholic punch. If you are going to someone else's party or get-together, concentrate on consuming the munchies provided rather than what alcoholic beverages may be available. Don't feel as though you need to "throw back a few" to get into the party mood. And if you are the host of the event, always remember to close the "bar" at least an hour before the activity ends.

Statistics show that one of the dangers of drinking is that you may think you're in control of your driving when, in reality, you're not. And if you are a frequent drinker, you may not feel drunk after a few drinks, but your blood alcohol level will show that you are. Having as few as three or four drinks can increase your chances of being in an accident by 100 percent; after seven or eight drinks, those odds increase 25 times. So when friends tell you that you shouldn't drive, listen to them and leave with a designated driver.

How soon it is safe to drive after drinking depends on how your body handles alcohol, how much you've had to eat, and how much you weigh. For most people, it might be safe to allow at least one hour for each drink. This allows your body to process and get rid of the alcohol. Simply put, there's just no other way to do it. So-called remedies such as black coffee and cold showers can't help here. Only time can make a person who has been drinking into someone who is sober enough to drive.

Note: Sources include a variety of Alcohol Awareness and counseling resources.