With the holiday season here, many of us will be gathering to celebrate with family and friends. Celebrations often include food and sometimes alcohol.
While enjoying wine, beer and spirits can be a pleasurable part of holiday celebrations, drinking can also have unintended consequences.
If you plan to enjoy alcohol during the holidays, here are some ways you can do so in moderation:
The effects of alcohol can last for many hours after you stop drinking—and the health risks are cumulative.
Being mindful of how much you drink has other benefits: you’ll save money, and less alcohol over the holidays means you’ll finish the year healthier and well rested, both physically and mentally.
Check this list of standard drinks to see how much alcohol you’re drinking:
One drink is considered:
In 2023, the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction released its guidance on alcohol and health.
Drinking less is better infographic
We now know that even a small amount of alcohol can be damaging to health. Science is evolving, and the recommendations about alcohol use need to change. Research shows that no amount or kind of alcohol is good for your health. It doesn’t matter what kind of alcohol it is—wine, beer, cider or spirits.
Drinking alcohol, even a small amount, is damaging to everyone, regardless of age, sex, gender, ethnicity, tolerance for alcohol or lifestyle. That’s why if you drink, it’s better to drink less. Any reduction in alcohol use has benefits—in other words, every drink counts.
Related: Managing health risks and harm in B.C.’s alcohol hot spot
A new year can offer a fresh start and extra motivation, which is why many people make New Year’s resolutions. This can include not drinking at all, or cutting back starting January 1.
Dry January started as a public health initiative in 2012 from Alcohol Change UK. Here is the organization’s top 5 tips for preparing for a dry month.
If a dry January seems like a big goal, consider a ‘drier’ or ‘damp’ January. The Canadian Alcohol Use Disorder Society offers an Almost-Dry January Challenge. Or, you can use January to get ready for the Canadian Cancer Society’s Dry February Challenge.
Related: Alcohol’s steady rise during the pandemic
Many struggle to reduce how much they drink or stop using alcohol. Not being able to do so on your own isn’t because you lack willpower or strength.
If you experience some or all the following related to alcohol:
You may have a condition called alcohol use disorder (AUD). AUD is a health condition assessed and diagnosed by a health-care professional. The good news is AUD is entirely treatable, and a full recovery is possible for just about everyone.
Related: My experience with alcohol use disorder treatment
If you’re struggling with your alcohol use, know you’re not alone, and help is available. Talk to a health-care professional today or call 310-MHSU (6478). There may be free or low-cost treatment options in your community or online including:
For some people, stopping drinking alcohol without medical support can be life threatening. Call 310-MHSU (6478) if you have any questions or doubts.
If you’re experiencing feelings of hopelessness and thoughts of self-harm, these services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays:
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