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Drinking Responsibly

MthathaBottles helps people find licensed stores, and part of that responsibility is encouraging everyone to drink in a way that is safe for themselves and for the people around them. This page covers simple habits that keep a good night from turning into a bad one, and it lists free services in South Africa for anyone who needs support.

Know your limits

Alcohol affects everyone differently depending on body weight, what you have eaten, and how quickly you drink. A few habits make a real difference:

Eat a proper meal before and while you drink, so the alcohol is absorbed more slowly.
Alternate alcoholic drinks with water to stay hydrated and pace yourself.
Set a limit before you start, and decide in advance when you are going to stop.
Avoid mixing alcohol with energy drinks, prescription medication, or other substances.

Plan how you are getting home

Never drive after drinking. South Africa enforces drink driving laws strictly, and the legal blood alcohol limit is low enough that even one or two drinks can put you over it. The safer choice is to decide before you go out how you will get home. Arrange a sober driver, use a metered taxi or a ride hailing service, or stay over with someone nearby. If you are hosting, make sure your guests have a safe way home too.

If you have been drinking, do not drive. A taxi fare is always cheaper than a crash, an arrest, or a life. Keep a few numbers for local transport saved on your phone before a night out.

Protect young people

It is illegal to sell or supply alcohol to anyone under 18 in South Africa. Beyond the law, alcohol affects developing bodies and decisions more sharply. Keep alcohol stored safely at home, and never buy it on behalf of a minor.

When drinking becomes a problem

Drinking can stop being a choice and start being a habit that is hard to break. Warning signs include needing to drink more to feel the same effect, drinking alone or in the morning, missing work or family commitments, and feeling unable to stop once you start. If any of this sounds familiar, for you or for someone close to you, reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Free support in South Africa

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group, known as SADAG, runs a free substance abuse helpline that can point you to local resources and counselling. SADAG can be reached on 0800 12 13 14, or you can SMS 32312 and a counsellor will call you back.

Alcoholics Anonymous South Africa holds free meetings across the country, including in the Eastern Cape, for anyone who wants to stop drinking. Their meetings are confidential and open to all.

In an emergency, call 10111 for police or 10177 for an ambulance.

You do not have to wait until things reach a crisis. A single phone call to one of the services above can be the first step toward feeling better.

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This page offers general wellbeing information and is not medical advice. Helpline numbers were correct at the time of writing. If you are in immediate danger, contact emergency services.