Why can the holidays be a slippery slope when it comes to drinking?
Being around others drinking alcohol can be abstinence or sobriety challenging. Well meaning friends and family may, in the spirit of the season, offer drinks to those trying to avoid them. Peer pressure, especially from family, is challenging to overcome.

What are the risks associated with excessive drinking?
Excessive drinking has multiple negative effects on the body. Binge drinking can lead to bad or dangerous decision making, serious breathing suppression, aspiration, or injury to your stomach, liver and pancreas. Drinking regularly, even in moderation, can lead to increased weight, cholesterol, and increases the risk of heart disease.

What is ‘holiday heart’?
Holiday heart is damage to the heart caused by a high concentration of alcohol in the blood. This can be temporary, but can also lead to permanent heart damage. It presents a lot like heart failure, or sometimes like an abnormal heart rhythm.

If we want to drink, what advice do you have for us to be safe?
Moderation is key. At the beginning of the night choose a reasonable amount as a maximum to drink for the night, and have friends and family hold you accountable for that. Remember not all drinks are made equal, pay attention to the percent alcohol-by-volume to get the best idea of how much alcohol you’re taking in.

What can you do if you’re hosting the party?
Provide plenty of non-alcoholic options! We’re in a bit of a renaissance for non-alcoholic drinks and “mocktails”: find some fun recipes to make online and offer them besides alcoholic drinks. Make Christmas classics – like hot toddies or eggnog – non-alcoholic as well so everyone can enjoy.