According to a study commissioned by Caron Treatment Centers and conducted by Harris Interactive, alcohol fuels a number of ʺbad behaviorsʺ at family holiday parties. Survey results indicated more than 56 percent of those who attended family holiday parties reported that a family member exhibited inappropriate behavior after consuming too much alcohol.
Also, among those who observed inappropriate behavior at family holiday parties by individuals who were under the influence of alcohol:
• 57 percent observed a family member starting a family argument;
• 44 percent observed a family member using excessive profanity;
• 43 percent observed a family member falling down or becoming clumsy;
• 35 percent observed a family member become overly aggressive
How much is too much?
According to medical experts at Caron Treatment Centers, one drink could make someone severely impaired even if their blood alcohol is technically legal. If a person consumes one drink every hour, he might not be legally intoxicated but it still may be enough to trigger behavior he would otherwise not engage in.
ʺChildren and teenagers are extremely impressionable. At Caron, we have found that the most meaningful message always comes from the parents, ʺ said David Rotenberg, the Executive Director of Adolescent and Young Adult Services at Caron Treatment Centers. ʺThis holiday season, it’s important for parents to remember that often, actions speak louder than words. De-emphasizing drinking during holiday family gatherings and focusing on the true spirit of the holidays, such as an opportunity for families to spend time together and give thanks, will provide a powerful example to children, teens and young adults.ʺ
If you are planning a holiday party, here are some tips for throwing a perfect non-alcohol event:
Get Creative. Festive drinks can be dry. As a way to encourage healthy habits, look to non-alcoholic drinks such as fruits, juices, ice teas and lemonades.
Take Drinking Out of the Party Games. Group games such as Taboo, Charades and Pictionary will keep people entertained throughout the party.
Stimulate Conversation. Help keep the chatter flowing by actively making introductions and introducing fun topics.
Don’t Make the Bar Center Stage. Place beautifully prepared and presented food and flowers at the center of the table and make the juice bar a colorful center of attention.
Be Safe. Make sure everyone has a safe way home and keep taxi numbers on hand to prevent them from leaving and driving under the influence.
Also, visit the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)’s web site for more information and guidelines on drinking: http://rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/. The NIAAA classifies low risk drinking as no more than 4 alcoholic drinks/day and no more than 14 drinks/week for men and no more than 3 alcoholic drinks/day and no more than 7 drinks/week for women.
Source:
Caron Treatment Centers, www.caron.org