Community Norms Around Holiday Substance Use

 

Every holiday season, there are increased pressures and stresses that we all encounter. The holiday season then becomes one of the most dangerous times of the year for alcohol-related accidents and deaths. The Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's holidays account for close to 40 percent of the number of alcohol-related deaths on the nation's roads (Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 2008).

 

There are several reasons for this according to PsychCentral.com including:  

 

  • More people drink during the holidays due to numerous parties and other festivities.
  • Many holiday drinkers don't drink often, so they have a lower alcohol tolerance.   
  • Problem drinkers and addicts find there are more occasions to drink. They say they feel more "normal" because the occasional drinkers are also more likely to abuse alcohol during this time of year.
  • The holidays are busy and stressful. People have more people to see and events to attend. Add alcohol to this scenario and winter road conditions and you have potential for disaster.

You can make your holidays happier and safer by following these simple common sense tips throughout the season:

  1. Resist the pressure to drink or serve alcohol at every social event.
  2. Drink, or offer non-alcoholic beverages. Make your guests feel comfortable choosing a non-alcoholic beverage. Here is a site that offers an array of "mocktails:" http://family.go.com/food/article-mm-78222-alcohol-free-drinks-spice-up-the-holidays-t/
  3. Have plenty of snacks available. Make sure people are eating.  
  4. Don't allow intoxicated guests to drive home. If one of your guests has consumed too much alcohol, let them sleep at your house, have someone else drive them home, or call a taxi.

 
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