Key points

The holiday season can lead to excessive drinking due to stress, depression, peer pressure, and easy access to alcohol.
Overindulgence in alcohol can exacerbate stress and depression, and lead to serious problems.
Setting personal limits, seeking alternatives to stress relief, and seeking help for depression can mitigate excessive drinking.
Taking precautions like locking up alcohol and educating teens can prevent underage drinking during the holidays.
The article warns about the risks of underage drinking and substance abuse during the holidays, suggesting preventative measures such as locking away alcohol and monitoring those with substance abuse problems.

Beware the Punch Bowl: Drinking Related Problems Around the Holidays

Stress

The holidays are full of stress as you prepare for the festivities. The malls are crowded, your budget may not be where you want it, family and friends will be coming by, and you're trying to get your house in order. If you find yourself reaching for an extra glass of wine to calm your holiday nerves, decide if that's the best way to handle your stress. Look for alternatives, such as meditation and exercise.

Depression

Some people drink when they get depressed. The holidays can cause severe depression if you're alone or your expectations aren't met. But drinking will just add to your depression, making you feel worse. You could end up on an endless cycle. If you find you are drinking in excess to numb yourself from depression, get help. Talk to a counselor, or attend an A.A. meeting. Check with your local urgent care for meetings in your town.

Peer Pressure

If you attend several holiday parties, chances are you may feel compelled to drink. Parties offer a variety of beer, wine, and mixed drinks. But remember, they're only a complement, not the point of the party itself. Before you go, set a limit on the number of drinks you'll have, and choose a designated driver. Don't give in to the festivities if they go past your personal limits. If you're hosting the party, collect everyone's car keys when they arrive, and hand them back only to the designated drivers who didn't drink. You could be saving a lot of lives by preventing alcohol-related accidents.

Under Age Drinking

Your kids are home from school for at least two weeks during the holidays. If you keep alcohol in the house, there's a chance they could help themselves while you're at work. To avoid coming home to a drunken teenager, keep your alcohol in a locked cabinet. Talk to your teen about the dangers of drinking, including potential health risks, drinking and driving, and even household accidents that can occur when they're unsteady from the alcohol. Keep plenty of nonalcoholic drinks in the refrigerator for them to enjoy.

Substance Abuse

People with substance abuse problems tend to fall off the wagon during the holidays. It could be from depression, or simply because the alcohol is easily accessible at parties. If you know someone with a problem, keep an eye on them during the holidays, and seek help as soon as you notice a problem.

If you find yourself drinking too much this holiday season, take a step back. Evaluate your emotions, and get a handle on what's causing your problem.

FAQs

Can the holiday season lead to excessive drinking?

Yes, factors like stress, depression, peer pressure, and easy access to alcohol can lead to excessive drinking during the holidays.

How can excessive drinking affect my mental health during the holidays?

Excessive drinking can exacerbate stress and depression, leading to a cycle of increased drinking and worsening mental health.

What measures can I take to avoid excessive drinking during the holidays?

You can set personal limits on your alcohol intake, seek alternatives like meditation and exercise for stress relief, and seek professional help if you're drinking due to depression.

How can I prevent underage drinking in my home during the holidays?

You can keep your alcohol in a locked cabinet, educate your teen about the dangers of drinking, and provide plenty of nonalcoholic drinks.

What should I do if I notice someone with a substance abuse problem drinking excessively during the holidays?

Keep an eye on them and seek professional help as soon as you notice a problem.

What should you do if you notice someone with a substance abuse problem drinking excessively during the holidays?

If you notice someone with a substance abuse problem drinking excessively during the holidays, it's important to keep an eye on them and seek help as soon as you notice a problem.

What should you do if you find yourself drinking too much during the holiday season?

If you find yourself drinking too much during the holiday season, it's important to take a step back, evaluate your emotions, and understand what's causing the problem. Seek help if necessary.

What are the potential risks of underage drinking?

The potential risks of underage drinking include health risks, the danger of drinking and driving, and the possibility of household accidents that can occur when they're unsteady from alcohol.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Rob Rohatsch, MD

Dr. Rob Rohatsch, MD, is a Board-Certified Emergency Medicine physician and urgent care executive. He earned his MD from Jefferson Medical College, currently serves on multiple boards and is Solv’s Chief Medical Officer.

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Medically reviewed

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December 04 2018
Written by Solv Editorial Team
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Rob Rohatsch, MD