Alcohol use over the holidays is very common, especially at parties and other celebrations.
Many people consider alcohol to be an essential part of holiday festivities. However, between the fun and long stream of alcoholic drinks, drinking over the holidays can quickly spiral out of control. Holiday binge drinking is a problem that occurs in households every year, causing health concerns and the involvement of law enforcement.
At Banyan Detox Stuart, we know that alcohol use over the holidays can result in addiction. People who develop a dependency on alcohol can avoid any avoidable health problems by taking the first step in their recovery process with our alcohol detox in Florida.
The Dangers of Alcohol Abuse During the Holidays
Despite how quickly the holidays may pass, excessively drinking over a short period of time can still take its toll. The short-term effects of alcohol abuse can end your holiday celebrations early. After short bursts of excessive drinking, you may experience symptoms like:
- Slurred speech
- Delayed reactions
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Stomach pain
- Alcohol poisoning
- Blackout
- Coma
- Impaired cognitive function
- Inability to concentrate
- Impaired motor skills
These symptoms can be painful, uncomfortable, and may even land you in the emergency room. If an individual continues binge drinking after the holidays, it can easily become an addiction. Individuals struggling with alcoholism might have to seek out alcohol addiction treatment like ours to get sober.
Ways to Avoid Holiday Binge Drinking
Remember You Do Not Need Alcohol to Have Fun
You may think that the holidays without alcohol are boring, but alcohol only depresses your system. After several drinks, your body begins to slow down, and you’ll eventually be unable to participate in any of the festivities. Binge drinking may also cause you to faint or blackout. When this happens, you’re unable to remember everything that occurred within that time frame. Drinking too much can also lead to alcohol poisoning and other undesirable symptoms, like headaches and nausea, the morning after. This all goes to show that you can have fun celebrating the holidays without drinking alcohol.
Drink Water or Soda Instead
Although drinking too much soda is unhealthy, you can avoid alcohol use over the holidays by alternating between drinking water and soda. Drinking water is a great way to stay hydrated while celebrating. Not only will your body appreciate it, but you will also stay alert enough to enjoy the celebrations.
Stay Away From the Bar
Avoiding the bar is the best way to avoid binge drinking over the holidays. If you hang around the bar area, it’s easy to convince yourself that one drink won’t hurt. Eventually, you’ll have consumed too much alcohol and experience its harmful effects.
As a rehab facility that offers drug and alcohol treatment in Stuart, we understand how tempting drinking alcohol can be during the holidays. Alcohol has been made a normal aspect of holiday celebrations, increasing the risks of alcoholism and other health problems. With programs like our intensive inpatient program, people grappling with alcoholism can get the help they need to reach sobriety.
If you or someone you know needs drug or alcohol abuse treatment, call us now at 888-280-4763.
