Newswise — Usually Dec. 31 is a time of celebration, reuniting with old friends and enjoying lots of parties. Alcohol is usually included in those celebrations. To stay safe this holiday season, a University of Missouri-Columbia researcher and expert on alcohol use offers a few tips before heading out for the evening.
"As a society, we need to develop new ideas to celebrate events that are not focused on alcohol," said Dan Vinson, professor of family and community medicine in the School of Medicine. "While we understand that alcohol will often be present, it's important to remember that it shouldn't be the focus of the party."
Vinson said that for most people, drinking one or two alcoholic drinks is probably safe. However, when a woman drinks more than three drinks or a man has more than four drinks in one evening, serious problems are more likely. In addition, women who are pregnant, people on certain medications, and those who will be driving should never drink.
Planning in advance can help create a safe New Year's Eve celebration. Vinson said this strategy is important for people who live with or know alcoholics. He suggests talking with the alcoholic well in advance of the event to discuss any issues or problems that might arise.
"Talking with an alcoholic about his or her behavior while on the way to a party is not the right time," Vinson said. "In addition, by the time someone is intoxicated, it's too late to talk with them about their actions. At that point, the only thing to do is make sure they don't harm themselves or others. Talking to a psychologist about the best way to approach an alcoholic prior to the event is advisable."
Vinson said it is important to recognize that some family members or friends may have difficulty with alcohol. In those cases, for small gatherings, controlling the amount of alcohol present is the best way to help them. For larger gatherings, hosts should consider hiring a professional bartender who is trained to identify intoxication and help people manage their drinking.
"It's important to remember that we all want to have fun on New Year's Eve, but it doesn't mean that alcohol should be the focus of the celebration," Vinson said. "Creating a memorable and safe celebration is the ultimate goal, and it can be done with enough planning."
Vinson is an expert on alcohol and the risks associated with alcohol use. Vinson's recent studies on alcohol use have been published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and the journal Alcohol and Alcoholism.
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