While enjoying the holiday spirits, remember to partake carefully of the other spirits.
Sheppard Pratt Health System?s Office of Substance Abuse Education offered some potentially life-saving tips for how to enjoy yourself without endangering others this holiday season.
Each year from Thanksgiving to New Year?s, thousands of Americans are killed or injured in crashes involving drunken drivers, according to the release from educator Mike Gimbel. In many cases the people who cause these crashes are not alcoholics or even problem drinkers, but ordinary people who have a few too many at a holiday party.
Celebrate safely
» Offer nonalcoholic beverages for designated drivers and others who prefer not to drink alcohol.
» Provide ample food to keep guests from drinking on an empty stomach.
» Avoid excessive salty snacks, which may make guests thirsty for more.
» Use carbonated mixers for punch or mixed drinks, as it slows the absorption of alcohol.
» Remember, beer and wine are just as intoxicating as hard liquor.
» Coffee or a shower will not help you sober up, only time can dilute the effects of alcohol.
» If your guests drink too much, drive them home, call a cab, arrange for a ride with another guest or invite them to stay over.
Source: Sheppard Pratt Health System
