Posted by
U.S. Public Health Service Lt. Cmdr. David Barry, DHCC clinical psychologist on December 20, 2012
U.S. Marine Corps photo
Family dinners, work parties, happy hours, New Year’s festivities and many other social gatherings are prevalent during this time of year. Typically a joyous time with family and friends, these activities often lead to overeating and indulging ourselves in unhealthy foods we normally would resist, as well as drinking more frequently and potentially abusively.
Whether the drinking environment is centered on grandma’s brandy eggnog or other holiday alcoholic drinks, we live in a culture that tells us it’s OK to drink during the holidays. Throughout the season, there is an increase in availability of alcohol at parties and family functions we attend, which may make it more difficult for those trying to avoid drinking too much. Additionally, many holiday drinks are mixed, making the strength of the alcohol content relatively unknown. A drink like this is often stronger than a standard drink, and can get the unwary drinker into trouble.
The occasional drinker
For people who don’t normally drink alcohol, a word of caution: low tolerance and unfamiliarity with alcoholic beverages are the two chief contributors to abusive drinking for occasional drinkers and non-drinkers.
The problem drinker
Problem drinkers tend to increase their social drinking during the holiday season. They often feel that their drinking levels are appropriate and normal because their peers, who drink infrequently, are drinking more than usual. Subsequently, these abusive drinkers place themselves at an increased risk for health problems and alcohol-related vehicle accidents as a result of driving while intoxicated.
Consequences to abusive drinking range from harmless (but potentially embarrassing) to serious and destructive. Problems commonly linked to excessive alcohol use include interpersonal violence, high-risk sexual behaviors and increased risk taking.
The good news is that there are easy ways to prevent and reduce the risks associated with holiday drinking:
- Choose non- alcoholic beverages. At “bring-your-own-bottle” activities, bring a favorite non-alcoholic beverage to share.
- Plan ahead. Set a personal drinking limit before you partake in alcohol and stick within your chosen limit. This will help you keep track of how much you drink.
- Eat food before and while you drink to help slow the absorption of alcohol into your system.
- Appoint a designated, non-drinking driver before you choose to drink. Make yourself the designated driver now and then.
- Don’t make alcohol the central focus of any gathering or party. In place, engage in other healthier food, drink and entertainment options.
- Lastly, be aware of the downside to too much alcohol on your physical and mental health. This will make you think twice before picking up another drink.
Use these tips to help you drink responsibly and safely. For further information on responsible drinking or how to seek help, check out these resources:
Lt. Cmdr. David Barry is a subject matter expert on alcohol and substance abuse/misuse at the Deployment Health Clinical Center.