Safer Seasonal Drinking

Christmas and New Year can present a lot of temptation to drink more than you might normally. With various different celebrations on the go, such as work parties, Christmas Day, and New Years Eve parties, it is important to try and stay in control to avoid doing anything that you might regret.

Tips for safer seasonal drinking

1. Keep a steady pace

The quicker that you drink, the harder it is to stay in control. Slow down the pace of your drinking throughout the night. Sip your drink and take some time before ordering your next one.

2. Have a break

Have a soft drink, or some water in between alcoholic drinks. This is also known as ‘zebra striping’ and can help ensure that you drink less when out. By drinking less, you can prevent accidents, ensure that you don’t do anything that you might regret, and reduces the chances of a hangover the next day.

3. Have something to eat

Drinking on an empty stomach can bring on the effects of alcohol faster than usual. This can mean it can be difficult to know your limits.

Have something to eat before you start drinking, and this will help slow down the absorption of alcohol, ensuring that you can last for your whole event.

4. Avoid rounds

Rounds can mean that you end up drinking more than you intended, adding pressure to try and keep up with everyone else who might be going at a faster pace than you would like.

Sit the rounds out to stay in control of your own pace.

5. Set a budget

If you are going out, setting a budget can be a good way of ensuring that you drink less, and keeps your wallet happy. It can be easy to overspend and drink more, especially with the temptation of the many drinks offers available.

Set a spending alert on your card or draw out the exact amount of cash you wish to spend – make sure that you have enough on hand to get home.

6. Leave the car at home

Don’t take the car to any social occasions you plan to drink at. Never drink and drive, even if you only have one.

Alcohol content also builds up in the body, so avoid driving the day after a heavy night of drinking, as you still might be over the limit.

7. Have a plan

Create a plan and stick to it.

Set a limit on how much you plan to spend and drink to avoid overdoing it.

Make sure you have everything you need when you leave the house, including:

• Charged phone
• Wallet
• Keys

Store numbers for your local taxi services or download any apps to ensure that you can get home. Apps are a good way to pay for a taxi in advance, ensuring you can get home even if you run out of cash.

Determine your pickup point, ensuring it is well-lit, easily accessible, and stay with a friend if possible.

County Durham Drug and Alcohol Recovery Services wish you a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.

If you are worried about yours or someone else’s alcohol or drug use, contact County Durham Drug and Alcohol Recovery Services for advice and information.

Want to see how your drinking measures up? Take the DrinkCoach Alcohol Test today to access personalised advice about your drinking.