As the holiday season approaches, many of us look forward to gatherings with family and friends, festive traditions, and joyful memories. Unfortunately, the holidays are also a time when impaired driving deaths spike due to increased alcohol consumption.
No DUI NoCo is committed to preventing impaired driving and promoting safer communities. That’s why we’re shedding light on common holiday drinking triggers and offering tips to navigate them responsibly.
Common Holiday Drinking Triggers
Family Tensions
Holiday gatherings often bring together loved ones, but those loved ones don’t always see eye-to-eye. Conflicts and unresolved tensions with others can lead you to turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Social Expectations
Holiday parties and gatherings often revolve around alcohol, with traditions like toasting and spiked eggnog. The pressure to participate can be overwhelming.
Stress and Exhaustion
The business of the season – shopping, cooking, hosting, a full calendar – can leave you feeling frazzled. Sometimes, alcohol becomes a way to unwind.
Nostalgia and Loneliness
If you’ve lost a loved one or are far from family, the holidays can bring up feelings of sadness and isolation. Alcohol may seem like a way to ease these emotions.
Celebratory Atmosphere
It’s easy to overindulge when celebrating milestones, ringing in the New Year, or simply enjoying the festive spirit in good company.
Tips to Avoid Overdrinking During the Holidays
1. Plan Ahead – Decide in advance how much you will drink and stick to that limit. If you’re hosting, offer plenty of food and a variety of non-alcoholic options to your guests. Be aware of the hazards of combining multiple substances, such as alcohol and marijuana; learn what you need to know about polyconsumption. Check out this list of 8 tips to handle someone who has had too much.
Looking for holiday mocktail ideas? Here are 5 festive non-alcoholic mocktail recipes.
2. Find Alternatives – Engage in activities that don’t center on alcohol, such as baking cookies, playing board games, or taking family walks to see the holiday lights. Check out this article for 7 ways to celebrate the holidays sober.
3. Practice Self-Care – Make time for rest and relaxation amidst the holiday chaos. Regular exercise, quiet time, and adequate sleep can help reduce stress.
4. Have an Accountability Partner – Share your intentions with a trusted friend or family member who can support you in staying on track. Try one of these tools to monitor your own intoxication.
5. Know Your Triggers – Identify situations that may lead you to drink excessively, and create strategies to avoid or manage them. For example, if family conflicts are a trigger, plan shorter visits or bring along a supportive friend.
By recognizing and addressing these common triggers, we can keep ourselves safe and support those around us. No DUI NoCo encourages everyone to plan ahead, offer support to friends and family, and prioritize the safety of our community. Remember, choosing not to drive after drinking could save a life – perhaps your own.
This holiday season, let’s focus on connection, gratitude, and creating joyful memories without compromising safety. Together, we can all make a difference.
Stay safe and happy holidays!
–No DUI NoCo Steering Committee
No DUI Larimer encourages all of our readers to educate themselves about how substances affect them and how they can avoid driving impaired – take charge of their future. Make the Right Call.
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