Celebrate Responsibly this Holiday Season

Holiday cheer is abundant during this time of year. While many of us planning to celebrate at home this holiday season, and it can be easy to overindulge. Approximately 1 in 5 adults in Downeast Maine reports excessive or binge drinking. Moderate drinking means having up to one drink a day if you are a woman and up to two drinks a day if you are a man.  Short-term health risks associated with excessive alcohol use include injuries and alcohol poisoning. Long-term health risks include chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

Excessive alcohol use is a leading cause of preventable death in the United States. If you are at least 21 years of age and you choose to drink alcohol, please do so in moderation. Click here to learn about the health risks of binge drinking.  

Stay safe and healthy during this holiday season If your celebration includes alcoholic beverages, limit how much you drink in a night, and pace yourself. Keep plenty of non-alcoholic beverage alternatives on hand and take time to enjoy your holiday meal and spending time with loved ones at home. Remember that providing alcohol to anyone under the age of 21 is illegal.

If you are concerned that your drinking habits may be impacting your health, visit alcoholscreening.org to learn more and find resources to help. 

Photo by Moritz Knöringer on Unsplash