Festive drinking

Have a merry Christmas ... just not a wasted one

Christmas is traditionally a time for spending with family and friends – and often involves alcohol and drinking.

This Christmas we are urging people to think ‘merry Christmas’ and not overindulge leading to consequences that no-one wants during the festive holidays.

It could be a hangover that ruins Christmas Day or a Christmas party that goes too far or for some people too much alcohol at Christmas may result in hospital treatment or even time in police custody.

But by taking some simple steps we can all make sure that we have a merry Christmas and not a wasted one. Our top tips:

• Eat before you go out – not only is Christmas the season to be merry but it’s also the season for lots of food. Make sure you eat something before you go out or start drinking alcohol. It will help you as the night continues.
• Intersperse alcoholic drinks with soft ones – try and pace your drinking and you will be able to enjoy the day or night for longer. It will also keep you hydrated throughout the night.
• Don’t give in to pressure – there’s always someone at a party or a night out encouraging everyone to drink more, but don’t feel under pressure to drink alcohol or get drunk. No-one will know that there’s no vodka in your lemonade if you don’t tell them.
• Look after your friends – if you are out as a group, look after one another. Too often incidents can happen when someone is left behind in a bar or pub, or wanders off by themselves. Stick together and make sure you all have a good time.
• Plan your journey home – Never drink and drive or get in a car with someone who has been drinking. Plan how you are getting home at the start of the night – know the times of public transport or pre-book a taxi and remember to keep money aside for the fare.
• Think of your family – alcohol can tend to increase family tensions as it lowers our inhibitions, which can result in people saying things they never normally would, leading to arguments and hurt feelings. Think of your loved ones and if you need to, take some time out.

By sticking to these simple rules, we will all have a Christmas to remember and not one we’d rather forget.

This Christmas you can also find out more about whether your drinking might be affecting your health. By taking the simple DontBottleItUp test, that takes no more than 5-10 minutes, you can see what impact your drinking may be having; you can also find out more about the support available to help cut down your drinking. Go to DontBottleItUp for more information.

And remember when Christmas is over and everyone starts thinking of their new year’s resolutions, for 2013 you could join thousands of people across the country who have already signed up to a booze free January. Go to the Dry January website for more information.