Holiday drinking shatters lives

By The Malibu Times · Wed Nov 01 2000

For some, the holidays bring cheer, but for others, it can be a time of nightmares. Party after party, get together after get together, can be one endless chain of trying to resist booze-filled events.

Whether people drink to combat loneliness during this particularly trying time of year or to fit in at a social event, drinking can bring unwanted skeletons out of the closet.

For people who have had problems with alcohol in the past, this festive time of year may be an excuse to drink "just this once," a trap that often leads them down the wrong path as they chance becoming getting hooked on their addiction once again.

"The most important thing is to stay connected and close to the [Alcoholics Anonymous] program and meetings," said Barra (AA has a policy of not using member's last names), who has been attending AA for more than 17 years.

"It's a time when people feel lonely and scared and alcohol can be a temporary medicine," she explained. "But then you have to pick up the tab."

Also, many people who do not drink excessively at other times of the year may indulge more than usual on holidays and regret it later.

Aside from hurting themselves, people who consume alcohol excessively may generate unwanted consequences for others as well, because it only takes a few drinks to get tipsy.

Drunk driving has been a holiday tragedy for many. More people are killed on roads as a result of driving impaired during the holiday season.

According to the U.S. Transportation Department, traffic crashes are the leading killer of children, with more than 2,000 children dying each year. Nearly a quarter of the deaths are alcohol related.

"As a nation, we should have zero tolerance for adults who risk children's lives by driving drunk," said Jim Hall, chairman of the National Highway Transportation Safety Board.

Holiday revelers can easily protect themselves from overindulging. Following are some tips to help avoid the affects and sometimes deadly results of drinking.

• If you do drink, make sure it is not on an empty stomach and eat fatty foods to absorb alcohol.

• If hosting a party, avoid inviting incompatible guests who may feel lonely and drink as a result.

• Plan games and activities that will involve all guests and provide food so they are not tempted to drink without having eaten something first.

• Setting limits ahead of time, such as drinking only one drink per hour or consuming two drinks total for the evening, can also be helpful.

• Additionally, hosts can provide nonalcoholic drinks, especially for designated drivers who ought not to drink at all.

• There are many alternatives to alcoholic drinks that can be fun and tasty. The Internet is a good resource for ideas on nonalcoholic drink recipes and ways to avoid overindulging during the holidays.

Contact numbers for help:

Alcoholics Anonymous, Western office - 474.7399

Alcohol AA Treatment Center 24-hour help line - 800.711.6375

Promises Malibu, treatment center, 24-hour help line 800.595.8779