Starting with the big football game in February, then the big stock car races and continuing through college basketball season, now is prime time for celebrating our favorite sporting events. But these types of celebrations can sometimes lead to alcohol abuse by revelers, making it important to keep your consumption to a reasonable amount.

Big sporting events have become an annual opportunity for fans across the nation to gather together for day-long parties. In fact, experts estimate that 28 million parties will be hosted this year for the football championship game – that’s one party for every 11 Americans. Many of those parties will be serving alcohol, from beers to malt beverages like Four Loko, to wine and hard liquor.

And for the almost one-quarter of American adults who drink alcohol excessively (according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a government agency), that’s why the Super Bowl can become a dangerous event. For this reason, it’s critical that everyone is equipped with information about how to drink responsibly, especially around celebrations like these.

In recent years, many alcohol manufacturers like Phusion Projects, the makers of Four Loko drinks, have joined government agencies and non-profits in ramping up efforts to educate retailers and consumers about the dangers of alcohol abuse.

So before heading out to watch the championship game on February 6, make sure to have a plan in place. Some people should never drink, such as those who are underage or women who are pregnant. But if you are 21, designate a driver, and don’t get in the car with someone you think may have had too much to drink. Keep the number of a cab company handy, just in case. If you choose to drink, know your limits and be sure to pace yourself. A smart way to do that is to alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic ones, like water. Of course, alcoholic beverages, including Four Loko and other malt beverages, should never be used as mixers.

Phusion Projects, LLC, manufacturer of Four Loko, is proud to sponsor this article and encourages the safe and responsible consumption of its products.