Drink responsibly this Christmas

The festive season is a great time to eat, drink and be merry, but sadly too much merriment can have repercussions.

We want to ensure that you have a Christmas that is safe as well as fun, so here are a few things to consider as the festive party period kicks in.

The Christmas and New Year period sees a spike in the numbers of injuries and deaths from alcohol-related incidents. In fact, according to the Office for National Statistics, Britons drink 41% more in December on average than any other month.

For many, having one or two drinks is not a problem. However, your judgement can diminish after just two drinks, meaning you’re not fully in control and are less likely to make sound decisions. After four to ten drinks you might experience a more severe loss of judgment, affecting your memory and understanding. Real disorientation can occur at around seven drinks, leading to confusion and loss of emotional control. But it’s important to remember that everyone reacts differently to alcohol, so make you sure you know your limit and don’t feel pressured to keep up with others.

Christmas and New Year also sees a big increase in road traffic accidents, as more people are likely to risk driving after drinking. Again, whilst some people are safe to drive after one drink, your reactions still may not be the same. This, combined with poor visibility and icy conditions throughout winter, will significantly increase the chance of a road fatality. If you plan on having a drink, it is always best to plan alternative travel arrangements.

Here are a few more tips on staying safe during the festive season:

• Stay away from bodies of water if you’ve been drinking, especially if you are by yourself. The Royal Life Saving Society states that a quarter of all adult drowning victims have alcohol in their bloodstream. You can learn more at their Don’t Drink and Drown page.
• Make sure someone else knows where you’re going and ensure that you have a fully charged phone with credit.
• Plan how you will get home in advance to avoid getting separated from your friends or travelling alone. It’s also a good idea to have the numbers of anyone you are out with.
• Keep your drink in sight at all times and do not drink it if you have left it unattended.
• Consider setting a spending cap on your night, to prevent binging or spending your whole week’s budget on one night.

Above all, we hope your Christmas break is a fun one and look forward to welcoming you back in the New Year.