The holidays are a magical season filled with twinkling lights, hearty laughter, and a fair share of libations. Before you pour your next glass, ask yourself: Are you toasting to something meaningful, or are you just sipping out of habit?
In this article we’re going to discuss how you can keep your holiday spirits high without going overboard.
The holiday season is brimming with celebrations, but all those festive cocktails and bottomless glasses of wine can easily snowball into unhealthy habits.
Here are some tips to help you recognize if you’re a borderline alcoholic.
Shortcut to tipsy
It’s no secret that knocking back a few drinks can swiftly alter your mood. Alcohol has a way of loosening us up, as confirmed by the National Institutes on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIH), which explains that alcohol induces euphoria, relaxation, and disinhibition while reducing stress and anxiety.
However, if you’re sipping mindlessly, it’s easy to lose track of how much you’ve had – fast-tracking your way to a full-on buzz before you even realize it. Awareness is key to keeping the good vibes in check!
Binging for quick buzz
We all know the holiday buzz can sneak up on you – between the joy of the season and endless trays of appetizers and cocktails, it’s easy to lose track of how much you’ve had to eat, and drink. Understanding your personal limits is key.
If you tend not “to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences,” you should cut back, the NIH advises.
Rule of Thumb: Stick to one drink per hour to give your body time to process alcohol. Alternate alcoholic beverages with water or sparkling water to stay hydrated and pace yourself.
Intoxicating invitation
Opening a bottle of bubbly at 8 a.m. might raise eyebrows on most days, but on Christmas morning, sipping champagne while unwrapping gifts feels surprisingly normal.
For those struggling with alcohol dependency, however, the presence of a drink often becomes the main motivation for socializing. If you notice yourself declining invitations simply because there won’t be alcohol, it’s worth reflecting on why that might be.
Social connections shouldn’t rely on a drink in hand – take time to consider how alcohol factors into your interactions and whether it’s overshadowing the joy of genuine company.
Every day is funday
For those teetering on the edge of alcoholism, going sober can bring on several unpleasant symptoms. Experts suggest that issues like abdominal pain, heightened stress, anxiety, skin problems, and sleep disturbances are some of the most challenging effects.
It’s easy to see why the lure of day drinking might feel hard to resist – especially during the festive season when indulgence is all around. After all, who wants to deal with those discomforts during the holidays?
Still, leaning on alcohol to avoid these symptoms can create a cycle that’s tough to break. Recognizing the pattern is the first step toward finding healthier ways to cope.
Annoyed by sober people?
When it comes to alcohol, respecting others’ choices is key. Not everyone will want to join in when you crack open a bottle, and that’s okay. If you find yourself irritated when others choose not to drink, it might be worth examining why their decision bothers you.
Exceeding limits
The National Health Service (NHS) recommends not drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week on a regular basis.
That’s roughly equivalent to seven pints of standard-strength beer, lager, or cider.
Consistently exceeding these limits can have serious health consequences like liver disease or cancer, stroke, heart disease, and damage to the brain.
These conditions often develop silently, meaning many people don’t realize the damage until it’s advanced.
The NHS says you could be misusing alcohol if:
- You feel you should cut down on your drinking.
- Other people are criticizing your drinking.
- You feel guilty or bad about your drinking.
- You need a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover.
Wrapping it up
The holidays are a time to celebrate love, laughter, and the people who matter most – and yes, maybe a little liquor too. By drinking mindfully and responsibly, you can keep the season merry and bright without any of the regrets!
Please let us know how you manage your drinking over the holidays and then share this story so we can hear from others!
READ MORE
- Her ‘soul crushing’ childhood still haunts her – the TV star talks about her mom’s tragic addiction and mental health struggles
- The sultry Heather Thomas of ‘The Fall Guy’ struggled with addiction – but look at her now, at 66
