by: Adrienne Davis
The holiday season is in full swing. Whether you are dashing through the snow in a one horse open sleigh, or trekking down a crowded highway, we should take the time to be aware of the dangers that surround the holiday season. Normally, this time of year brings joy, decorations, family, friends, and holiday spirit. However, there are times when we can indulge a little too much with substances like alcohol.
Everywhere you turn someone claims to have the cure for being intoxicated. ‘Drinking coffee will sober you right up.’ ‘Splash a little water on your face and you are good to go.’ ‘Eat a little bread before you start throwing back those drinks.’ The folksy myths that surround the use of alcohol may enable people to drink more excessively than they would ordinarily. The process for getting alcohol of your system is simple…it just takes time. A person’s intoxication level is determined by many factors: how much they have had to drink, the type of alcohol they are consuming, how much they weigh, and their gender. While the list is not exhaustive, each individual factor can result in an unstable drinking experience. Whether we are at the holiday party thinking ‘well maybe just a half a drink more,’ at home celebrating with family, or drinking to forget the holidays, we should also be aware of the consequences.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Over the past 5 years, an average of 300 people died in drunk-driving crashes during the Christmas through New Year’s holiday period. In December 2016 alone, 781 people lost their lives in drunk-driving crashes.” This staggering statistic illustrates how the holiday season exacerbates an individual’s willingness to drink alcohol. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism states that a person is considered significantly impaired when their Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is between .09% and .15%. When someone is intoxicated, there are a number of warning signs such as; slurred speech, loss of motor skills and coordination, mood swings, aggressive behavior, depression, giddiness, and/or a delayed reaction time. If a person is experiencing the signs of intoxication, then it is unsafe for them to operate a motor vehicle.
This may sound as though Ebenezer Scrooge has come to ruin your holiday season. However, there are also tidings of good cheer. There are many ways to stay safe during this season and still have a good time. The most obvious way is to abstain from alcohol altogether. Conversely, if you choose to indulge in alcohol you can take note of how much you are consuming. Also, if you want to feel a part of the holiday spirit with a drink, there are always Mocktails. These are wide-ranging beverages without alcohol.
This season can be a time of joy and happiness. The best way to spread holiday cheer is making sure we stay safe. There are resources for people who struggle with their use of alcohol or other substances. The Southwest Council, Inc. is a great resource for people dealing with substance issues in Gloucester, Cumberland, and Salem Counties. Southwest Council also assists people in Cumberland and Salem County who need an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC). The number for Southwest Council is 856-794-1011 or 856-494-4950.
