Final answer:
Refusing drinks is a social skill, not a 'pacing' strategy. To pace one's drinking, one should drink slowly, alternate with non-alcoholic drinks, and consume food to slow alcohol absorption.
Step-by-step explanation:
Practicing how to politely but firmly refuse drinks is not a recommendation for 'pacing' one's drinking but rather a strategy for managing peer pressure and social situations where alcohol is present. To pace your drinking, it is generally recommended to:
- Drink slowly, savoring each sip.
- Alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated and reduce alcohol consumption.
- Eat food before and while drinking to slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream.
These strategies are designed to help social-recreational drinkers maintain moderation and avoid the negative consequences associated with excessive alcohol consumption, such as health issues, social problems, and impaired judgment. The history of alcohol consumption, including the temperance movement and prohibition, reflects society's recognition of these potential problems and the various approaches taken to address them.