Families & Alcohol Consumption During the Holidays

You see it in holiday movies and chances are, you see it in person at your own family gatherings. Alcohol and the holidays go hand in hand with 50% reporting that alcohol plays a role in their family festivities. And while your family members may not fit the clinical definition of an alcoholic – defined as being unable to limit the amount of alcohol and craving alcohol even there is a desire to cut back – the holidays can be a time when family members recklessly binge drink or engage in risky behavior like drinking and driving.

More Sobering Statistics

The holidays are meant to be merry and bright, so don’t let alcohol dampen your spirit. If you are consuming alcohol this season, make sure you aren’t pressuring anyone else to imbibe. This time of year can be tough for those that are on their recovery journey. If you are celebrating sober, be sure to have a plan before going into parties where alcohol is served.  Make sure that you have your own transportation to leave safely when you are ready, as these statistics show that drinking and driving is still, sadly, very much a part of the holiday season:

• 30% of adults say the holidays trigger mental health challenges. Anxiety, depression, and isolation are reported more so than other times of the year.
• An estimated 2-3 times more people die because of alcohol-involved crashes during the holidays than any other time during the year.
• 22% of adults have felt pressure to drink at work holiday parties either to fit in, because their boss was encouraging them, or to feel more at ease.

*sources CARON, NIAAA

Seeking Alcohol Treatment

 Seeking treatment this time of year can be stressful. Delaying things is not a strategy and will likely only make things worse. If you have questions about seeking drug and alcohol treatment this holiday season, do not hesitate to reach out.

Journey Pure uses evidence-based methods to approach and overcome addiction. We work closely with each person that walks through our doors to make sure they have the support and resources necessary to achieve sobriety. We are here to help you reach the life that you deserve.