How to Prevent Drunk Texting

Co-authored by Brett Baughman and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: December 30, 2022 References

Going out for drinks is a fun way to kick back and relax, but these outings can have unexpected consequences if you start sending a lot of drunk texts. These texts can lead to a lot of future regret, especially if you start messaging an ex-partner. Before you plan on getting drunk, make a game plan for yourself so you can enjoy yourself without worrying about your text history in the morning.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Monitoring Yourself with Apps and Extensions

1
Download an app that keeps you from using your phone while you’re drunk. Search your phone’s app store for apps that can give you some extra support while you’re feeling tipsy. Try out “Drunk Mode,” a free app that sends you reminders and warnings on your phone when you plan on texting, and also records your location when you go out.^{[1]
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Research source} You can also try “Drunk Locker,” which lets you lock down different social media apps for several hours so you can’t send any drunk texts or make any drunk posts on social media.^{[2]
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- If you tend to have wild nights out, the “I’m Getting Arrested” Android app lets you ping your friends when you’re about to be arrested by cops.
2
Check if you’re too drunk to text using the Virtual Bar app. Download “Virtual Bar,” an app that asks you to submit your basic height and weight information, as well as how much you’ve had to drink so far. If your blood alcohol levels are definitely in the “drunk” range, don’t send any texts.^{[3]
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- You can also check your blood alcohol levels here: https://www.alcohol.org/bac-calculator.
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3
Get an app that checks your texts before you send them. Look for the “Drunk Text Savior” app in your phone’s app store, which acts as an extension to your keyboard. This app acts like a supportive friend, and lets you know if your texts look really sloppy or if they’re okay to send out. If this app warns you that your texts are looking a bit worse for wear, you may want to set your phone aside for the night.^{[4]
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- While you can ignore this app’s pop-ups, they can go a long way in saving you from sending regrettable texts.
4
Plug a breathalyzer extension into your phone to see if you’re too drunk to text. Shop online for a phone extension that plugs in or connects with your phone. Check your blood alcohol level with the extension to see if you’re okay to send texts, or if you should hold off until the next morning.^{[5]
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- Alcohoot is a popular extension that you can use for this.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Adjusting Your Phone and Contact Settings

1
Turn your phone on airplane mode so you aren’t tempted to text. Go into your phone’s settings and activate airplane mode, which shuts off your phone’s WiFi and cellular service. Keep your phone in airplane mode for the entire night so you’re physically unable to send any drunk texts.^{[6]
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- Only do this if you’re going out with friends, or are with someone who can take care of you. If you’re out by yourself, you’ll need a way to get a ride home.
2
Delete contacts that you don’t want to call or text while you’re drunk. Look through your contact list for people you definitely don’t want to drunk text, like your parents, co-workers, or an ex-partner. Write down their numbers on a separate sheet of paper, then temporarily delete their contacts from your phone. Once you’re sober again, put their information back into your contacts.^{[7]
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- This might be a good opportunity to delete people from your phone permanently, like an ex-partner or ex-friend.
3
Rename your contacts so you won’t be as likely to text them. Give your contacts really silly names, so you’ll be too confused to text anyone. As an extra challenge, ask a friend to change your contact names so you have no idea who is who. On a separate sheet of paper, write down who is who so you can switch the contact names back to normal when you’re sober.^{[8]
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- For instance, you can give your contacts silly food names like “Banana Split” or “Strawberry Ice Cream.”
4
Set an old drunk text as your wallpaper to serve as a reminder. Take a screenshot of a drunk text that you really regret sending. Go to your phone settings and set the picture as a custom wallpaper. Throughout the night, look at your lock screen as a quick reminder of why drunk texting is a bad idea.^{[9]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Making a Plan of Action before Drinking

1
Set a drink limit for yourself when you plan on going out. Think about how many drinks usually gets you tipsy, and when you usually cross into the “drunk” threshold. Try limiting yourself so you only get tipsy, but not blacked out. If you don’t get that drunk, you won’t be as likely to spend drunk texts.^{[10]
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Trustworthy Source
National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
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- For instance, if you usually get tipsy after 2 glasses of wine, choose that as your limit when you go out.
2
Give your phone to a friend so you can’t use it. Ask your friend if you can slide your phone into their bag for the night. Tell them to keep your phone safe and not give it to you, no matter how many times you ask. Once you’re headed home, your friend can give you your phone back.^{[11]
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- If you’re spending the night with a friend, ask them to give it back to you in the morning.
3
Ask a responsible friend to keep an eye on you. Sit down with one of your more responsible friends, or whoever is the chosen designated driver for the night. See if they’d be willing to keep an eye on you, especially your texting habits. Ask if your friend would be willing to check in a few times each night, and intervene if they see you trying to text someone.^{[12]
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