2 years ago

Silly season is upon us and whether you’ve got gatherings with friends, work functions or family barbeques, it’s important to keep in mind to party safely and most importantly, drink responsibly.  The festive season is a time to be jolly and it’s easy to get carried away – particularly for young adults. Whether you’re an adult or you’ve got young adult children, we’ve pulled together a quick guide to help you and your loved ones stay safe while also having a good time.

Alcohol intake

The silly season is a time where many indulge in alcohol. With festivities and events often back-to-back over the next few months, you can easily find yourself drinking seven days of the week. However, at this time of year, it’s important to be aware of the dangers associated with excess drinking and what measures you can take to drink responsibly.  

So, what is considered a ‘safe’ amount to drink? While we mostly hear of the dangers of ‘binge drinking’, drinking a small amount consistently also carries health risks. According to research, to reduce the risk of harm from alcohol-related disease, healthy men and women should drink no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than 4 standard drinks on any one day. 

If you think you may be drinking too much, there are a few tell-tale signs. Waking with dry eyes, needing to go to the toilet multiple times during the night, broken sleep and an upset stomach are just some of the symptoms that may indicate you are drinking too heavily.

Reducing your intake

If you’d like to curb your alcohol intake this silly season, there are a few things you can try. See if you can give yourself at least one or two alcohol-free days in between the parties and events. You can also try diluting your drinks with mineral water, soft drink or juice. To stay hydrated, consider drinking a glass of water in between drinks.

Have a plan

If you’re going to a party, it’s so important to plan ahead. Peer pressure and clouded judgement can stop you from making smart decisions. Make sure you stay relatively close with friends and friends that you trust. It’s also important to work out how you’re going to get home – whether that’s ensuring you’ve lined up a taxi, arranged for someone to pick you up or if there’s a designated driver at the party. If your plan for a pickup falls through, have a plan B just in case. Finally, it’s a good idea to eat well either at the party or beforehand – a full stomach will slow the absorption of alcohol.

Reduce the risks for safe partying

When it comes to partying, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk – no matter the situation. Whether you’re at a pub or a friends house, don’t leave your drink unattended. It’s also important to never accept a drink from someone you don’t know. When it comes to the end of the night, make sure you’re not getting in a car with someone who has been drinking. Most importantly, remember that it’s OK to say no to anything you’re not comfortable with.

Open Communication

If you have a child who has just turned 18, it’s important to keep the lines of communication open about alcohol & drugs and the effects and dangers of both. Having conversations will help you to understand your child’s thoughts and feelings on the matter while also opening up a channel for you to discuss the risks and drinking responsibly.


If you have questions or need help regarding your overall health or lifestyle choices with drugs or alcohol, call the practice today to book a consultation.