The holiday spirit: Tips for drinking in moderation this season

Here are some easy ways you can reduce how much alcohol you drink during the holidays. Think of it as a "2-1-0 countdown" to the holidays. 

Two

• Limit drinks to two per occasion to be safe and to minimize harms such as driving over the limit. Leave your keys at home and plan your rides to be safe.
• If you choose to drink, drink water or a non-alcoholic beverage every second drink. Make sure you’re eating before and while you drink.
• Alcohol + drugs don’t mix, including prescription medication. Mixing substances increases the risk of negative health impacts. Remember the effects of alcohol can last for many hours after you stop drinking.
• Throughout December and beyond, keep drinking to two drinks or less per week to minimize your risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer.

Related: Checklist for safer celebrating this season.

One

Drinking alcohol, even a small amount, is damaging regardless of your 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.

Before having another drink, pause and reflect why you would like one more drink. One less drink can protect against negative short and long-term consequences. When you do consume alcohol, do so mindfully. Take the time to enjoy and savour your drink.

Drinking less is better

Zero

A new year can offer a fresh start and extra motivation, which is why many people make a New Year’s resolution not to drink. 

But if a dry January seems like a big goal, consider a “drier” or “damp” January instead, with some "zero" days and non-alcoholic drinks. 

Try these tips:

• Schedule a few alcohol-free days each week. 
• Track your progress on paper or in an app.
• Switch to zero per cent alcohol beverages. The selection of non-alcoholic beer, wine and spirts is growing all the time.
• Here are five tips for preparing for a dry month from Alcohol Change UK if you do want to go dry. 

For some, stopping drinking suddenly can result in serious or even life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Please consult your doctor or health-care provider for help.

How local governments can support low-risk drinking

Related Stories@IH: How a small town rallied together to address alcohol use

Whether you’re cutting alcohol out of your life completely or cutting down, you may notice some changes in the way you feel. Whatever your reason, the good news is there are great short and long-term benefits to scaling back your drinking, including:

• More energy throughout the day 
• Improved sleep quality 
• Improved concentration  
• Weight loss (A 5 oz. glass of wine or 1.5 oz. shot of liquor can have more than 100 calories; 12 oz. of beer or cider can top out at more than 200 calories)
• Lower blood sugar
• Lower blood pressure 
• Lower risk of stroke, hypertension, cancer and liver disease
   

*information derived from: BC Cancer’s The Proof.

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.

There are also safe and effective medications available to treat alcohol use disorder. Learn more about our online self-referral service, Virtual Addiction Medicine.  

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:

• Interior Crisis Line Network - 1-888-353-2273
• Suicide Crisis Helpline - 988
• KUU-US (Indigenous) Crisis Line - 1-800-588-8717
• Métis Crisis Line - 1-833-638-4722

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