The run up to Christmas can sometimes feel like an endless drinking session, with party after party, and lots of excuses to crack open a bottle. It’s a time packed with social events where you are expected to join in all the festivities. Work colleagues, friends and family are all keen to celebrate and more often than not this involves alcohol, whether it’s eating out or meeting in the pub.
Be careful what time of day you start drinking
It’s easy to get carried away, drinking more alcohol more frequently than you usually would. Christmas is also a time when we often start drinking earlier in the day, which is a sure recipe for drinking more, so it may be sensible to keep off the booze until later in the day. Think about how you're feeling and whether you want a pause, and don't let people top you up just because they're drinking.
Peer pressure
This is often a factor – nobody wants to be accused of being a 'bah humbug' at this time of year! It's funny how we sometimes think it's OK to put pressure on family, friends or colleagues to have more alcohol. Remember, there is nothing rude about saying politely that you've had enough.
How to manage the amount you are drinking
What can you do if you want to keep an eye on your alcohol intake whilst still enjoying the Christmas get-togethers?
Avoid drinking in rounds
This way you’ll avoid drinking as much as the biggest drinker, and it will be cheaper too. As long as you pay for your own round, you can sit out some of the others or have a non-alcoholic drink.
Zebra striping
This is switching between alcoholic and low/non-alcohol drinks. It regulates the amount of alcohol you consume and it will help you to avoid a hangover. The selection of low and non-alcoholic drinks in pubs and restaurants has improved in recent years and there are more interesting options to choose from.
Planning nights off drinking altogether
Consider planning nights off drinking alcohol over the Christmas period. Your body will be grateful for a break from processing and removing alcohol from your system. Taking some time off drinking can also remind you that you don’t need alcohol to have fun.
Are you still concerned about the amount you are drinking?
If it’s difficult to follow this advice and you are worried about the amount you are drinking, you are not alone.
At CADAS we support anyone who feels their addiction is problematic. We don’t require people to give up alcohol altogether if that’s not what they want to do, but we do focus on the reduction of harm to themselves or others. We don’t just support people struggling with dependency or addiction issues – we are also there for ‘affected others’ – the people who are affected by, or worried about someone else’s addictive behaviours.
If you need help, please check out our website www.cadas.co.uk or give us a call on our freephone helpline 0800 2 54 56 58 and we can have a chat about the support we can offer.
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