Hey all you drunks out there at Christmas parties! Yes, I am talking to you and you know it! We all know the "drunks" at both company and private Christmas parties, they really tend to stand out year-in and year-out. I should know, I was one for most of my life!
No one will deny that large quantities of alcohol are consumed in November and December. The winter, holiday season provides ample opportunities and social occasions where alcohol is both present and prevalent. Those who choose not to drink are often in the minority.
Why Do People Drink More During the Holidays?
Is that the million-dollar question? Not really, people drink more alcohol for two primary reasons: first, to celebrate the season or to drown worries and sorrows. In either situation, adding alcohol to the equation, with emotions running high, can become dangerous.
Your Keys Please!
Those who drink to extreme success at Christmas parties are noticed. The happy drunks are part of the life of the party. Others' recognize and appreciate their gregariousness, until it is time to leave.
Of course there is always the compulsory question at the end of the evening, "are you sure you're OK to drive?" How often do you hear the driver, who you know is obviously over the legal limit if not totally blasted say they are fine? If I had a dollar for each time one of my friends or I said this I would be able to take a nice vacation!
Tis' the season for driving under the influence (DUI). With all of the social engagements, virtually involving alcohol, it is no surprise that the holiday season is rife with DUI behavior and arrests.
Make a Plan
One of the keys to not become another negative statistic this holiday season is to make a plan. By that I mean make sure if you plan on drinking away from the home make sure you have sober transportation. If you have a designated driver - make sure they are keeping responsible and staying sober. All too often the designated driver has "just a few" and winds up getting a DUI or worse an accident.
Of course the best plan is not to drink alcohol. Make sure you have the phone numbers of local taxi companies so that you can arrange for a sober ride home. Even if the cab ride is $50, it is certainly a better deal than a DUI arrest which will cost thousands of dollars.
If you are hosting people, make sure they are aware that you have a strict drinking and driving plan, that they will not leave your home behind the wheel if they are intoxicated. Have a plan for your guests.
Remember that alcohol is a drug, and a dangerous one at that. If you or someone you love is an alcoholic or has other substance abuse problems, I urge you to seek help immediately. If you prefer to maintain total anonymity there are online alcohol classes as well.
Mike Miller is the Education Director at Online Alcohol Class, a website specializing on online alcohol awareness classes and minor in possession classes.
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