https://n2v.almanacnews.com/blogs/p/print/2015/12/22/alcohol-and-the-holidays

Local Blogs

Alcohol and the Holidays

The holidays are supposed to be a joyous time, filled with cheer, family, friends and love.

Yet your reality may be different from that. It can be easy to drink too much to drown out the pain of the mismatch between the expected cheer and the actual feelings you have.

Between the gifts of alcohol and the alcohol served at parties, it's possible to slip into drinking more than may be healthy for you. And that amount differs for each person.

Alcohol is a depressant. So if you're already suffering, alcohol will make your mood worse.

Also, if you're having trouble sleeping, don't drink caffeine or alcohol after 4PM.

Many people can drink in moderation. And others cannot.

So pay close attention to your own drinking:
- Why do you want a drink (or several) right now?
- Are there feelings you're avoiding by drinking?
- Are there people you are avoiding by drinking?
- How would it feel to be at a party and not drink?
- Have you had enough for today/tonight?

I know this is a message we've all heard many times, and it bears repeating: whatever you choose to do about alcohol this holiday season, have a non-drinking driver designated.

In the healthiest way possible, enjoy your holiday spirits.