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Five Tips for Safely Drinking Alcohol This Holiday Season

The holiday season is here! Time for joy, celebration, and often, raising a glass with friends and family. But while the season calls for fun, it’s important to keep safety in mind—especially when it comes to alcohol. Here are five tips to help you “be merry” this holiday season…responsibly.

  1. Know Your Limits
    Drinking in moderation is defined as one drink or less in a day for women and two drinks or less in a day for men. Throughout the holidays, you may find yourself indulging a bit more than you usually do thanks to all the extra gatherings and holiday parties, so it’s important to pace yourself. Everyone’s tolerance for alcohol is different, based on factors like age, weight, gender, and drinking history. A good rule of thumb is the “one drink per hour” guideline. One drink generally means one 12-ounce regular beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits. Going beyond that can quickly impair your judgment and coordination. Don’t feel pressured to keep up with others. As a matter of fact, try alternating non-alcoholic beverages in between your fully loaded ones. Not only will this slow your alcohol intake, but it will also help you stay hydrated.
  1. Have a Plan to Get Home Safely
    Before you take that first sip, make sure you know how you’ll be getting home. Designate a driver in your group who won’t be drinking or use a ride-sharing service if you plan to indulge. Many communities also offer free or discounted ride programs during the holiday season, so look into what’s available in your area. This simple step can make a huge difference, not only for your safety but for the safety of others on the road. If you’re hosting, consider offering a “stay over” option for guests who may need it or arrange a group ride-share at the end of the night.
  1. Avoid Mixing Alcohol with Other Substances
    Mixing alcohol with other substances, including prescription or recreational drugs, can be dangerous. Alcohol can intensify the effects of medications or interact unpredictably with other substances, leading to serious health risks. If you’re on medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it’s safe to drink.
  1. Look Out for Each Another
    Celebrating together means looking out for each other. If you notice a friend or family member having a little too much, don’t be afraid to step in. As a host, you can help by serving food with drinks and providing non-alcoholic options. Offer them water, food, or a place to rest. Sometimes, all it takes is a gentle nudge to help someone realize they need a break.
  1. Be Mindful of Alcohol Content in Holiday Drinks
    Be aware of how much alcohol is actually in those festive holiday drinks. Punches, eggnog, and other seasonal cocktails can have more alcohol than they taste like. Plus, sugary mixers can mask the alcohol’s strength and make it easier to overdo it. If you’re unsure about what’s in a drink, ask or stick to something you’re familiar with. Don’t forget to measure your pours when making cocktails, and don’t assume one drink is equal to another—especially with homemade mixes.

The holiday season is a time for enjoyment, so make choices that keep you and your loved ones safe. Set your limits, plan your ride, avoid mixing substances, keep an eye out for each other, and enjoy responsibly. If you are struggling to keep your alcohol intake to a safe limit, speak with your doctor or seek professional help. St. Luke’s Penn Foundation has a caring team of professionals who can help. Learn more about our drug and alcohol services.