How to Control Drinking Over the Holidays

By eHow Parties & Entertaining Editor

Control Drinking Over the Holidays Control Drinking Over the Holidays

Rate: (10 Ratings)

Excessive drinking can lead to automobile accidents, hangovers and unwanted calories. You can have a great holiday without overdoing the alcohol - or avoiding it altogether.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

  • Bottled Water
  • Wines

Step1
Attend only the parties you really want to go to. One office party, for example, is sufficient.
Step2
Opt for club soda or sparkling mineral water instead of an alcoholic drink. No one will know the difference except you.
Step3
Eat something before you begin drinking. It will help the alcohol be absorbed more slowly.
Step4
Steer clear of the punch bowl unless you know for a fact that it's weak on the booze. Some punches mixed with alcohol can be quite potent.
Step5
Drink a glass of wine instead of a mixed drink or hard liquor. Drink it slowly and make it last.
Step6
Arrive close to mealtime if invited to a dinner party. This way, you will bypass the before-dinner drinks.
Step7
Snack while you drink. Food helps the alcohol be absorbed more slowly.
Step8
Drink a glass or two of water in between drinks to prevent dehydration.
Step9
Have a glass of water before going to bed. It might lessen the effects of a hangover.

Tips & Warnings

  • If hosting your own holiday party, offer virgin punches and eggnog as an alternative to alcoholic drinks. The extra effort will be appreciated by guests who are trying to cut down on alcohol.
  • Do not drink and drive. If you drink alcohol at a party, take a taxi home or have someone pick you up.

Comments

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Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Drink no more than 2 drinks for the night.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 12/16/2005 As long as you know how to handle your liquor, live it up a little. When is the next time your boss is going to pay for your drinks? I fully agree with the 1 glass of water per drink rule. That's why I plan on drinking at least six glasses of water at my office party this year.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 1/2/2006 Water is truly important while drinking. Alcohol solicits your liver, therefore it consumes your body water. Try and drink as much water as possible while you drink alcohol, as the other tips say, and not after. It's not really necessary to wait 30 minutes, you can alternate faster. But for 50 ml of alcohol, have at least a full 200 ml glass of water. Some drinks can be mixed with water or ice (eg whiskey or vodka). If possible, do that.
Do not leave your water drinking for the after-party, it's no use, if you had a couple of meters of tequila.
Do not drink water in the morning, if you feel a hangover. If you didn't had your water during the party, or a couple of glasses before going to bed. Drinking water in the morning will just make you feel drunk again, and half-kill your liver. Better to try any sour drinks (pickle juice is my favorite - cabbage or cucumbers), or try a small cold beer. But hopefully that is too far as the trick is water during the party.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Have one drink. Wait 30 minutes. Have a glass of water. Wait 15-30 minutes. Then have another drink if you wish. Repeat the process. Not only will this keep you from getting too drunk, but the next morning you won't be all hung over and swollen. The water is especially inportant because alcohol can make you dehydrated.

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eHow Article:  How to Control Drinking Over the Holidays

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