“ah, go on – it’s Christmas!”

Christmas is the time for indulgence. As the holiday party seasons swings along, it is easy to over-indulge with alcohol.  It is should be no surprise that binge-drinking can lead to increased anxiety, lower mood, and poor sleep among other health problems this season.

1. Calculate out your drinks.  Did you know that a pint of stout is 2 standard drinks?  That a glass of prosecco is 1.5 standard drinks?

2. What is a binge? A binge is 6 or more standard drinks in an evening.  Many people are surprised, and while culture or society may normalise heavier drinking, that’s all your liver can really handle (no matter how much you promise your liver you’ll do Dry January).

3. Make a plan to pace your drinking with non-alcoholic drinks, including mocktails.  Avoid rounds if at all possible which can often push people to drink faster than their own pace.

4. If you are recovering from substance dependence, it may help to make a plan.  Some people may find that it works best for them to avoid certain situations.  Others find that simply having  non-alcoholic drink in their hand to avoid questions or pressures works fine.  If you are struggling, AA can be a great source of support for many (though it’s not everyone).  Do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor if you are struggling.

5. We’ve covered this one before, but hangover cures are an urban myth:  you can’t “detox” yourself the next day with cleanses, supplements, vitamins, or expensive IV drips.

Be a good friend and host this season:  plan to have a non-alcoholic option for guests, don’t pressure others to drink more or faster, and call a taxi if needed:  never, ever drink and drive.

Healthy Holidays is a virtual advent calendar focusing evidence-based ways to look after your physical and mental health this holiday seasons. It will be available every evening on social media and, as always, also on the Blog.