It's been called pre-drinking, priming, preloading, it all depends where you're from.  But it's all the same business.  And there's been an increase over these past few years.  Some suspect the reason is the high price of alcohol at clubs and bars.  So it's becoming more common to have a few drinks before hitting the bar.  Some say it's leading to further binge drinking, more dui's, and more intoxication. 

I don't see how its leading to binge drinking and all that.  For those who drink on occasion, it's more convenient to throw a few back before heading to the bar.. you could save maybe $10 that you would spend on the same drinks at the bar, when they're free at your house.  But I'm sure this has been going on for years, it may have just increased a little bit.. considering the economy. 

I actually don't really know anyone who doesn't do this. No one wants to spend like $6 for a shot of tequila when you can just get it for soooo much cheaper at your own house. That's what all of my friends do. They drink it up at home get drunk and then go to whatever party or club they are going to. Also many people are underage. So they drink at home and then go to a party already drunk. Or if they're going to 18 and older clubs they cant get alcohol there unless they have a fake ID so they drink before. It actually makes sense and I think its a smarter thing to do. But only if there is a designated driver.

Some restaurants by my house send over a car to pick you up and take you to the restaurant and then take you back. I think bars should start doing this too, and have it be good priced as well. I think everyone drinks at a pre-party first so they don't have to spend all that money on alcohol at other places.. if a car just comes to pick them up they could be saving so many lives. Most people that drink think they're fine to drive. Especially if the place isn't far away they think they're OK but its not the case and they're putting themselves and others in danger. I like the whole car idea.

one of my best friends has been drinking just about every night ever since she started dating this guy 6 months ago. she doesn't have a job so her work has suffered or anything like that, but she keeps researching hangover cures to try and justify her drinking. she said she's only been really sick a couple of times, but her little cures help a lot. I'm worried about her though because that is just avoiding the situation and the problem. I don't party so I don't actually see how much she drinks, I just go off of what she says. How can I help her?

Regarding the post above this, I think you should be honest with your friend.  Bring her drinking habits up casually and ask her how much she actually drinks, and if she personally believes that she drinks too much...  Ask her if she believes she's in a good situation in her life, and also if she's happy with the decisions she's making.  Let her know that her decision to drink doesn't only affect her, it's going to affect her relationship, her friendships, and basically everything.  Let her know that sobriety or at least responsible, social drinking is the more responsible way of living life.  She may get mad, or completely avoid the situation, but make sure you're nonjudgmental and let her know that you've noticed that she drinks a lot and want to make sure she's doing okay. 
Sometimes it's best to just bring something up to get the other person to start thinking about it themselves.  Try to get her to reflect on why she's drinking so much, or if she even believes she has a problem.  She could think that drinking is really cool and fun... but in reality it only leads to problems down the road.

joannie34 said: one of my best friends has been drinking just about every night ever since she started dating this guy 6 months ago. she doesn't have a job so her work has suffered or anything like that, but she keeps researching hangover cures to try and justify her drinking. she said she's only been really sick a couple of times, but her little cures help a lot. I'm worried about her though because that is just avoiding the situation and the problem. I don't party so I don't actually see how much she drinks, I just go off of what she says. How can I help her?

This is a bit off topic but I think you could try this on your friend as well. I have a friend who is getting very over weight. She drinks about 6 sodas a day and its so bad for her. Lately everytime we go eat together and she gets a soda I stop her and get her a water. At first she started complaining but I just smiled and told her its better for her. I did this everytime and although she didn't quit drinking soda, she did cut down a lot and is now doing it all on her own. Do this with your friend and alcohol, I think she'll realise that your doing this because she has a problem.

Is your friend driving after she drinks. That can be very dangerous not only for her, but innocent people. Part of maturity and growing up is looking at the entire situation.