Avoid the pitfalls of holiday drinking

The time leading up to Christmas and between New Year’s Day can seem like an endless amount of alcohol consumption. Whether you are attending work parties, family functions, or other holiday gatherings, it can, at times, feel like drinking is an obligation.

While it may seem funny to place pressure on people to drink more, ultimately, it should feel like a choice to drink alcohol and not an obligation. Fortunately, there are practical tips that you can use to politely turn down a drink and still enjoy the holidays, whether you’re in your golden years, middle-aged, or young.

In Iowa, the prevalence of binge drinking was higher among men than women. Binge drinking rates also decreased with age, with one-third (33%) of those 18-24 years of age reporting the highest proportion of binge drinking.

Consider avoiding social pressure when you can; generally, this is staying away from situations where people are drinking. Yet, this is not always possible during the holidays, so it’s a good idea to practice saying no.

Try being direct and honest at first, and say things like “No thanks, I don’t drink anymore,” “Alcohol does not mix well with me, “I can’t drink because my alcohol use gets out of hand sometimes,” or “I’ve decided I feel better without alcohol in my life.”

If you cannot be straightforward, invent clever excuses, such as “I am taking a prescription I cannot mix with alcohol,” “I am training for a marathon, I can’t drink,” “Drinking is against my religion,” “No thanks, I get really belligerent when I drink,” or “Before I accept, I should warn you I brought a guitar with me.”

Another successful alternative is to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages. This can be the perfect time to try some holiday mocktails. For many of us, having a drink in hand makes us feel more comfortable in social situations. It also makes it less likely that someone else will pressure us to drink alcohol.

Or step into the designated driver role. This is one of the easiest excuses for not drinking at a holiday party. If you are the designated driver, you will have no explaining to do.

The holiday season can be a joyous time without the influence of alcohol. There are considerable benefits to avoiding the pitfalls of alcohol use during the holidays, primarily creating new memories that are actually remembered. More importantly, sharing quality time with family and friends.

Marcel Gemme is the founder of DRS and has been helping people struggling with substance use for over 20 years. His work focuses on a threefold approach: education, prevention, and rehabilitation.