Browse services
your locationFind care near me

Find Urgent Care today

Find and book appointments for:

Beware the Punch Bowl: Drinking Related Problems Around the Holidays

Key Points

  • The article discusses the issue of excessive drinking during the holiday season, identifying several contributing factors such as stress, depression, peer pressure, underage drinking, and substance abuse.
  • Stress from holiday preparations can lead to excessive drinking. The article suggests finding alternative stress management techniques like meditation or exercise.
  • Depression during the holidays can also lead to overconsumption of alcohol. The article recommends seeking help from professionals or support groups when feeling overwhelmed.
  • Peer pressure at holiday parties can contribute to excessive drinking. The article advises setting personal limits, choosing a designated driver, and hosts collecting car keys to prevent alcohol-related accidents.
  • The article warns about the risks of underage drinking and substance abuse during the holidays, suggesting preventative measures such as locking away alcohol and monitoring those with substance abuse problems.

The holidays are a time for celebration. Many people include drinking in their celebration, including wine on Thanksgiving, cocktails at Christmas parties, and champagne on New Year's. But sometimes, you drinking too much can lead to serious problems. There are many reasons why the holidays lead to excessive drinking.

Related: Visiting Grandparents During COVID-19 Holidays

Beware the Punch Bowl: Drinking Related Problems Around the Holidays

Key Points

  • The article discusses the issue of excessive drinking during the holiday season, identifying several contributing factors such as stress, depression, peer pressure, underage drinking, and substance abuse.
  • Stress from holiday preparations can lead to excessive drinking. The article suggests finding alternative stress management techniques like meditation or exercise.
  • Depression during the holidays can also lead to overconsumption of alcohol. The article recommends seeking help from professionals or support groups when feeling overwhelmed.
  • Peer pressure at holiday parties can contribute to excessive drinking. The article advises setting personal limits, choosing a designated driver, and hosts collecting car keys to prevent alcohol-related accidents.
  • The article warns about the risks of underage drinking and substance abuse during the holidays, suggesting preventative measures such as locking away alcohol and monitoring those with substance abuse problems.

The holidays are a time for celebration. Many people include drinking in their celebration, including wine on Thanksgiving, cocktails at Christmas parties, and champagne on New Year's. But sometimes, you drinking too much can lead to serious problems. There are many reasons why the holidays lead to excessive drinking.

Related: Visiting Grandparents During COVID-19 Holidays

Stress

The holidays are full of stress as you prepare for the festivities. The malls are crowded, your budget may not be where you want it, family and friends will be coming by, and you're trying to get your house in order. If you find yourself reaching for an extra glass of wine to calm your holiday nerves, decide if that's the best way to handle your stress. Look for alternatives, such as meditation and exercise.

Depression

Some people drink when they get depressed. The holidays can cause severe depression if you're alone or your expectations aren't met. But drinking will just add to your depression, making you feel worse. You could end up on an endless cycle. If you find you are drinking in excess to numb yourself from depression, get help. Talk to a counselor, or attend an A.A. meeting. Check with your local urgent care for meetings in your town.

Peer Pressure

If you attend several holiday parties, chances are you may feel compelled to drink. Parties offer a variety of beer, wine, and mixed drinks. But remember, they're only a complement, not the point of the party itself. Before you go, set a limit on the number of drinks you'll have, and choose a designated driver. Don't give in to the festivities if they go past your personal limits. If you're hosting the party, collect everyone's car keys when they arrive, and hand them back only to the designated drivers who didn't drink. You could be saving a lot of lives by preventing alcohol-related accidents.

Related: Your Cocktail and 5 Things That Don't Mix

Under Age Drinking

Your kids are home from school for at least two weeks during the holidays. If you keep alcohol in the house, there's a chance they could help themselves while you're at work. To avoid coming home to a drunken teenager, keep your alcohol in a locked cabinet. Talk to your teen about the dangers of drinking, including potential health risks, drinking and driving, and even household accidents that can occur when they're unsteady from the alcohol. Keep plenty of nonalcoholic drinks in the refrigerator for them to enjoy.

Substance Abuse

People with substance abuse problems tend to fall off the wagon during the holidays. It could be from depression, or simply because the alcohol is easily accessible at parties. If you know someone with a problem, keep an eye on them during the holidays, and seek help as soon as you notice a problem.

Related: The Harsh Reality of College Drinking

If you find yourself drinking too much this holiday season, take a step back. Evaluate your emotions, and get a handle on what's causing your problem.

Frequently asked questions

  • Why might people drink excessively during the holidays?

    There are several reasons why people might drink excessively during the holidays. These can include stress from preparing for festivities, depression due to loneliness or unmet expectations, peer pressure at holiday parties, and even substance abuse problems.
  • What are some ways to manage stress during the holidays without resorting to alcohol?

    Instead of reaching for an extra glass of wine to calm holiday nerves, consider alternatives such as meditation and exercise. These can provide a healthier way to manage stress.
  • How can drinking exacerbate feelings of depression during the holidays?

    Drinking can add to feelings of depression, making you feel worse. It can lead to an endless cycle of drinking to numb feelings, which in turn deepens the depression.
  • What measures can be taken to avoid excessive drinking at holiday parties?

    Before attending a holiday party, set a limit on the number of drinks you'll have and choose a designated driver. If you're hosting, you could collect everyone's car keys when they arrive and only hand them back to designated drivers who didn't drink.
  • How can parents prevent underage drinking during the holidays?

    Parents can prevent underage drinking by keeping alcohol in a locked cabinet and talking to their teens about the dangers of drinking. It's also helpful to keep plenty of nonalcoholic drinks in the refrigerator for them to enjoy.
  • What should you do if you notice someone with a substance abuse problem drinking excessively during the holidays?

    If you notice someone with a substance abuse problem drinking excessively during the holidays, it's important to keep an eye on them and seek help as soon as you notice a problem.
  • What should you do if you find yourself drinking too much during the holiday season?

    If you find yourself drinking too much during the holiday season, it's important to take a step back, evaluate your emotions, and understand what's causing the problem. Seek help if necessary.
  • What are the potential risks of underage drinking?

    The potential risks of underage drinking include health risks, the danger of drinking and driving, and the possibility of household accidents that can occur when they're unsteady from alcohol.

Related Health Concerns

Abdominal Pain

Anxiety

Athlete's Foot

Bee sting

Bloating

Canker Sore

Chancroid

Depression

Endometriosis

Fatigue

Fractures

Gout

Hand, foot, and mouth disease

Hearing Test

Heat Rash

Pneumonia

Stress

Tonsil Stones

Solv App

Quality healthcare is just a
click away with the Solv App

Book same-day care for you and your family

Find top providers near you
Choose in-person or video visits
Manage visits on-the-go
Get the FREE App

This site uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. By using Solv, you accept our use of cookies.