The right spirit
Christmas is referred to as "the festive season". So do not allow alcohol to steal the joy of Christmas from you or from those you love. There is too much to celebrate to let unhealthy drinking get in the way! Therefore here are some suggestions that...
Christmas is referred to as "the festive season". So do not allow alcohol to steal the joy of Christmas from you or from those you love. There is too much to celebrate to let unhealthy drinking get in the way! Therefore here are some suggestions that you might find helpful especially during Christmas time:
¤ Set a limit on how much you intend to drink.
¤ Learn how to say no when you feel that you are drinking over the limit.
¤ Alternate alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic drinks.
¤ Eat before you start consuming alcohol and continue to munch while you drink.
¤ Don't go to places where you'll be bored if you're not drinking or where you feel socially uneasy if you don't have a drink in your hand.
¤ If you decide you don't want to drink, do not go out with people who would not be comfortable with your decision.
¤ Don't drink very quickly.
¤ If you're going to drive do not drink. If you are in a group it would be a good idea if you nominate a designated driver who will not drink any alcohol and who will drive you back home.
It's important to note that:
¤ There are a number of people who should not drink any alcohol such as pregnant women, persons who are going to drive or operate machinery, people who are under 16, people who are taking medicine, people who suffer from diabetes or high blood pressure and people who are dependent on alcohol.
¤ There are a number of alternatives to alcohol such as non-alcoholic cocktails. Sedqa has published a booklet that includes a variety of recipes of non-alcoholic cocktails. If you're interested to have a copy of this booklet you can phone on 2124 4226.
¤ If you eat before you drink this will slow down alcohol ingestion. However, ultimately, excessive drinking would still affect you negatively.
¤ Remember that you may still be over the legal alcohol limit the next morning if you have drunk excessively the night before. Many injuries could result from people going to work while they would still be under the effect of alcohol.
Ms Azzopardi is the Safe programme coordinator at Sedqa.