With the festive season upon us, many are taking the opportunity to celebrate with family and friends. With each gathering and party, alcohol is often a part of these joyous occasions.
Thinking about how much you drink and asking yourself ‘why?’ can help you better understand how alcohol may be affecting your health and help you create a plan to drink sensibly throughout the holiday season – and into the New Year.
At times over the holidays, you may feel pressured to drink at social gatherings, but it is okay to decline without providing a reason. Letting others know that you do not want to drink may even lead to engaging conversations about social pressures around drinking.
Here are a few tips to help you reduce the amount of alcohol you consume over the holiday period:
- Choose versions of your favourite drinks that contain less alcohol, such as light beer, a low-alcohol content wine, or create a wine spritzer using half wine, half mineral water.
- Bring along a non-alcoholic drink such as water, juice or sparkling soda. These will help counter the dehydrating effects of alcohol.
- If your social calendar is filling up, plan alcohol-free days.
- Offer to be the designated driver to help you avoid drinking.
- Eat a variety of foods and snacks throughout the party.
- Be motivated by the fact that reducing the amount of alcohol you drink may save you money, improve your mental health and support you in getting a good night's sleep.
Planning to drink less and to have non-alcoholic drinks available will also help you and your guests stay safer.
If you are hosting a party – help others drink less
You can create a low-risk environment for your guests by taking responsibility for when and how much alcohol is available at your event, while still ensuring your guests have a great time. Some things to consider when planning your party:
- Avoid having alcohol as the focus of the party by planning some alcohol-free activities
- Provide food from start to finish
- Provide plenty of water and other non-alcoholic drinks
- Avoid ‘topping up' other people's drinks for them
- Ensure everyone has a safe ride home
For more information read Canada’s updated guidance on alcohol and health.
