Alcohol Consumption, Health, and the Holidays
Think back to past holiday seasons. Are you the one at office Christmas parties telling drunken stories in the back corner, or perhaps sneaking off for a little fun in the copy room? Do you end up passing out drunk on the couch at your parents’ house? Do you end up coming away from the holiday season looking like a version of a inflated float from the Christmas Parade? There’s no doubt about it: the holidays can be a stressful time for many of us. Decorating, cooking, shopping, dealing with family and all of the obligatory company parties can leave us exhausted and looking to really cut loose when the opportunity presents itself. While having a glass or two of wine is one thing, getting repeatedly smashed and embarrassing yourself is quite another. Read on to find out how you can manage your alcohol consumption in the end of 2008, and enter the new year feeling fit, healthy and not like you want to crawl under a rock.
Consider Your Current Consumption and Health
Self-analysis is never easy. Sometimes there are things you just don’t want to cop to, to yourself or anyone else. But realizing that your drinking has led to problems in the past is a crucial first step to getting things under control. You first have to some to grips with the fact that you might have a problem with the way you treat alcohol.
No one is pointing fingers and calling anyone an alcoholic, but if you don’t like the way you feel after certain drinking scenarios, then something isn’t right. Do you drink too much when you are put in uncomfortable situations? Is your passing out on the couch at home because you are repressing old childhood memories that make you upset and vulnerable? This may all sound like “psycho babble,” but don’t underestimate the power of simply recognizing there’s a problem.
Many states have health insurance mandates for alcohol related treatment. This means that your health insurance company may be required by state law to provide treatment for alcoholism as part of the standard health coverage from your employer. If you’re looking into a individual health insurance plan, on the other hand, the state may not mandate the insurer to provide such coverage. You should check with your prospective policy provider to see if their coverage includes alcoholism treatment.
White Christmas Lies Help Cut Consumption
Let’s face it: alcohol is a social lubricant. It helps people who might not have anything in common loosen up and chat with one another, and people can feel mighty uncomfortable if someone they know suddenly starts drinking. If you choose to not drink in holiday social situations, you may find yourself the recipient of uncomfortable glares, or having to push away the drinks people keep shoving in your face. “Come on, just one, it’s Christmas!” This is where the lying comes in.
Normally, I’m a huge advocate of truth telling across the board. But if you want some ease in dealing with people’s awkwardness around your non-boozing, tell them you’re on medication, you’re already hungover, or you’ve got a big old important meeting the next day. Excuses help make people more comfortable.
If you want to simply try drinking less at holiday parties, try these tips:
- Order and drink a water with every alcoholic drink.
- Make sure to eat before going out to drink.
- Stick to smaller drinks.
When in Doubt, Don’t Drink
If after reading the first paragraph of this article, you realized that you drink too much around your family for a specific reason, you may want to try avoiding the cocktails all together. In situations like this, avoidance is best, because then you don’t put yourself at risk at all of drinking too much.
One blogger chose to drive herself everywhere for weeks, and doing so, taught herself not to drink in situations because she was always driving. If you’re an avid proponent of not driving drunk (which everyone should be, I can’t emphasize that enough), then having your car and the responsibility to drive it can help you not drink. Decline offers to crash on couches or in guest bedrooms, and drive your sober and happy self home.
Not only could you end up drinking less this holiday season, your food consumption could go down as well. What do drunk people do (besides seek out naught cigarettes they would never otherwise smoke)? They eat. The less you think, the more conscious you will be about the food you are putting in your mouth. Not drinking can give you more energy to get up and exercise, and you won’t waste mornings feeling terrible and wondering if you said something highly inappropriate to your boss.
If you think you have a serious problem with alcohol, or know someone who does, it may be time for an intervention. There are many treatment options available, ranging from therapy to rehabilitation, and if they are covered under your insurance plan there is zero excuse not to use them. Take care of yourself, and your loved ones.
Tags: alcohol, christmas, health, health insurance, holidays, state mandates, tips
