Safeguard Your Holiday Season

The holiday season is quickly approaching, which means that many are making plans to celebrate with the people we care about most. The Drug-Free Coalition would like to encourage you to consider safeguarding your loved ones from the dangers that can accompany celebrating the holidays by following these simple but valuable tips:

• When children and young people are present at your holiday celebration, keep alcohol out of reach and in a location that is visible to adults.  
• Although some parents indulge the idea that providing "just a sip" of wine or other alcohol to children models responsible drinking, many studies show that an early introduction to drinking may have the opposite effect than what is intended and can lead to higher tendencies to drink later in life. So refuse to provide alcohol to the young people at your celebration, but don't make conversations about the dangers and responsibilities of alcohol use off-limits in your home.
• For adults, drink in moderation. Remember that alcohol is alcohol. It is important to understand that a standard drink of regular beer (12 fluid ounces), wine (five fluid ounces), and spirits (a cocktail with 1.5 fluid ounces of 80-proof spirits) each contains the same amount of alcohol, and that Federal Dietary Guidelines define moderate drinking as up to two drinks per day for men and up to one drink per day for women.
• Make non-alcoholic beverages available for your guests. 
• Make sure your guests have a safe way home either through designated drivers or a taxi. Have local taxi service numbers available for your guests.

The Coalition would like to wish you and yours a happy, safe holiday season!