If you love the holidays, and especially holiday parties, then you likely believe that no holiday season is complete without a little eggnog and Wassail, made with their traditional alcohol ingredients. You’re probably also grateful for an upcoming anniversary—the anniversary of the ratification of the 21st amendment, repealing the prohibition of alcohol sales in the United States. But if you’re celebrating this anniversary or any other special day throughout the month of December with a little “good cheer,” you need to do whatever you can to celebrate safely.
While you may know that kids should never drink, even adults can make deadly or injurious mistakes when alcohol is involved. Some of the most common ailments that can be suffered by people who have a little too much holiday cheer in their glass include:
Car accidents caused by drinking too much and then trying to drive home. Car accidents caused by drunk drivers result in injuries to more than 3,660 individuals and the deaths of nearly 270 additional people, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).
Alcohol poisoning caused by drinking too much alcohol in too small a timeframe. Alcohol poisoning can lead to severe brain damage or death.
Severe liver damage from too much drinking in a short time span or over a long period of time. Liver poisoning may lead to the need for dialysis, a liver transplant, or even death if it can’t be kept under control.
Mixing alcohol with medications, especially by taking medications too soon after drinking in many cases, even if they’re not done in tandem.
What You Can Do to Prevent Alcoholic Heartache
If you are drinking this holiday season or you are providing the alcohol at a party, it’s up to you to ensure the safety of yourself and everyone around you. Here are some tips for helping keep the holidays merry and bright without taking out the extra dash of cheer.
Limit the amount of alcohol you are drinking to just one during the party.
Drink twice as much water as you do alcohol.
If you are throwing a party, collect your guests’ keys when they come into the party and call a car service or provide a pillow and blanket instead of returning their keys if they’re in no shape to drive.
Remember, when you’re drinking it can lower your inhibitions and cause you to make dangerous decisions you’d never make sober. Keep your wits about you and your alcohol intake low to ensure you can share many future holidays with your friends and family.