Festive drinking tips

OVERINDULGENCE: PAYING ATTENTION TO SPECIFIC BEHAVIOURS CAN HELP

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The holiday season is filled with celebrations, gatherings and often more drinking than usual. For many, a glass of wine or a cocktail is simply part of the festivities. But for some, holiday drinking can slip into overindulgence, leading to habits that may stick around long after the season ends.

"Holiday drinking often increases due to stress, more frequent social gatherings and a relaxed 'holiday spirit' that encourages indulgence. According to StatsSA, the holiday period sees a marked increase in alcohol-related accidents and incidents," says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. Recognizing the signs of problems with drinking earlier can make a big difference in preventing long-term health consequences.

What makes it different?

The holiday season's unique social and emotional pressures can make it challenging to recognize when drinking becomes excessive.

The combination of family stress, work pressures and social gatherings can contribute to "binge drinking", defined as consuming large quantities of alcohol in a short time.

Warning signs

The festive environment may make recognizing the warning signs of problematic drinking harder. However, paying attention to specific behaviours can help. Key warning signs include:

► Drinking more than intended: If you often plan to have one or two drinks but feel you must continue to a certain point, this may indicate a problem.