Moderation is healthy and painless. Drink enjoyably, but as part of a social event, not the goal. That means not drinking to escape problems and not drinking to get drunk. That's what it doesn't mean. What it does mean is teaching yourself to view alcohol with the healthy caution it deserves.
Food slows the rate at which alcohol is absorbed, lowering peak blood alcohol levels.
Sip drinks rather than gulp them. Drinking too much often results from drinking too fast. If you do, you might not have to worry about waking up with a hangover. You might not wake up at all. Space your drinks.