Don’t let drink ruin the holiday season

2 December 2008

Don’t let drink ruin the holiday season

With Christmas, New Year and the summer holiday season fast approaching the Community Alcohol and Drug Service (CADS) at Tauranga Hospital is urging people to think about their drinking, to make sure the season is fun and safe for everyone.

Clinical coordinator Hester Hattingh says it is important to remember what the holiday season is really about. “Celebrating and spending time with people we care about can be so easily ruined when people drink too much. With warmer weather, longer sunshine hours and holidays there are lots more opportunities than usual to catch up with family and friends and have few drinks. Unfortunately, when people go overboard with alcohol it can causes problems and get in the way of what could have been a great time,” she says.

CADS staff are encouraging people to drink responsibly these holidays. “It’s about making good decisions and not letting drunken behaviour ruin the festive season for themselves and the people they care about,” says Hester. The team recommends:

• Making sure there are plenty of non-alcohol and low-alcohol options so people have a choice about what they drink and can take a beak from drinking alcohol

• Provide substantial food – asking people to bring a plate is a great option

• Watch the size of the drinks you’re having. Remember a standard drink is one small glass (100ml) not a bucket!

• Plan how to get home safely if you’re drinking – and if you’re the host make sure your guests make good decisions about getting home safely.

Don’t let drinking ruin your holiday season! For more ideas and information please visit www.alac.org.nz

ENDS

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