Don't go overboard over the festive period
The majority of Brits who drink will take action to resist the temptation to drink to excess this Christmas, by making efforts to stay in control of their drinking, reveals new research from alcohol education charity Drinkaware.
Despite it being ‘party season’, the ICM poll of over 18s shows that people will attend on average just two events in December, drinking 5.5 units of alcohol at each. This is the equivalent of three glasses of mulled wine or two pints of cider.
Encouragingly many drinkers are taking action to help them make the most of the festivities:
- 44% say they will be eating before drinking
- 44% say they will drink at their own pace
- 38% will keep an eye on the amount of drink they’ve had
Drinkaware is reminding revellers this Christmas to keep three simple tips in mind to resist the temptation to go overboard - eat before you start drinking, alternate alcoholic drinks with soft ones and pace yourself.
Siobhan McCann, Head of Campaigns and Communications at Drinkaware, says: “For many people, the festive season is a great time to get together with loved ones and celebrate but it can be easy to drink more than you intended. Although on average people say they will be drinking above the guidelines this Christmas, it’s encouraging that many are avoiding the temptation to get carried away.
“Nobody wants their drinking to be the gossip after the office Christmas party or to argue with their family over a turkey dinner, so most people are taking steps to enjoy themselves while staying in control. Simple tips like eating before your first festive tipple, alternating alcoholic drinks with soft ones and pacing yourself can help you enjoy your holiday to the full without starting 2013 with a hangover.”
Many people are making efforts to stay in control in anticipation of the pressures they know they will be under to drink more in December. Over half say they plan to drink more in December than any other time of the year and of those people, over a quarter admit this is a time of year when they think they can drink alcohol without feeling guilty.
Almost half of those who expect to drink more say that alcohol is hard to avoid as there are more occasions where it is present during the festive period. One in five also say they drink more because it is encouraged by friends, colleagues and family.
To track your drinking and get further tips and advice on how to enjoy your Christmas without drinking to excess, go to Drinkaware.co.uk.