Drinking During the Holidays: What Parents and Teens Should Know

The holiday season is usually an exciting time for families. Students look forward to time off from coursework to spend time with friends and family, and parents enjoy celebrating with their children. College-aged young adults also tend to come home for vacations. Often, alcohol is present during these holiday festivities. Unfortunately, drinking during the holidays may result in devastating consequences, including alcohol poisoning, motor vehicle accidents, or unplanned and unprotected sexual activity. In fact, hospital emergency department visits involving underage drinking increased more than 250% on New Year’s Day in 2009 compared to other days 1.

Teenagers and young adults often receive mixed messages about drinking from their families. Parents and other adults may be drinking alcohol during the holidays, and some parents allow their teens to drink alcohol at home during these times. In fact, among adolescents who drink, 60.6% report getting their alcohol from adults such as parents, guardians, other family members, or unrelated adults 2. It is illegal in many states, however, for an adult to serve alcohol to a minor who is under 21, even in a personal home 3. In many states, an adult who serves alcohol to a minor may be held criminally and civilly liable if a minor has been injured or died while under the influence of alcohol. In some states, the adult may also be held responsible if the ingestion occurred in their home regardless of whether or not the adult was present.

Tips for parents during the holiday season:

Be consistent — Send a consistent message to your teen that drinking before the age of 21 is not acceptable. Brain development continues into the 20’s and is susceptible to the effects of alcohol during this time 4.

Ask — Know where your teen is going. Who will be there? Will alcohol or other drugs be present? Will adults be home? Do those adults tolerate drinking in their home?

Plan for transportation — It is imperative that your teen not ride with a driver who has been drinking. Alarmingly 28.3% of high school students in 2009 report having ridden in a car within the last 30 days with a driver who had been drinking alcohol 5. Driving impairment begins at blood alcohol levels well below the legal limit of 0.08%. Plan with your teen how they will get home. Offer to drive your teen home, or provide resources for driver services including taxi companies. Some areas also offer sober driver programs for the wellbeing of the community. Emphasize that safety is the first priority. Recommend public transportation if it is available and safe in your area.

Practice talking points — Practice with your teen situations where they may be pressured to drink. Review how to call for emergency assistance if a partygoer needs medical attention. Reinforce that safety, not punishment, is of the highest concern.

Be a role model — Drink responsibly. Do not pressure other adults to drink at functions if they decline a drink. Never drive after drinking. Never ride with a driver who has been drinking.

Tips for teens during the holiday season:

Remember, it is illegal for a minor under 21 to drink alcohol.

If you are at a party where alcohol is present, remind others that it is possible to have a good time without having alcohol.

Suggest alternate activities to your friends, including playing sports, enjoying music, or cooking together.

If you are at a party where alcohol is present, serve your own drinks and do not leave your drink unattended. Other drugs, including so-called “date rape drugs,” may be mixed into your drink without your knowledge. However, remember that alcohol is the most common “date rape drug.”

Do not drink for the purpose of a drinking game or contest. Dangerous amounts of alcohol are often ingested in connection with these competitions.

Do not drink on an empty stomach. Food will help slow the absorption of alcohol so it does not affect you as quickly.

If you are going to a party, bring friends with you. Also, make sure all of your friends leave with you. Individuals who remain alone at a party are vulnerable to increased drinking, blackouts, and sexual assault.

Never drive after drinking. Impaired driving begins well below blood alcohol level of 0.08%, which is the legal limit to drive in the US. Many states have enacted “Zero Tolerance Laws,” where it is illegal for minors to drive with even a trace amount of alcohol in their bloodstream.

Never get into a car with a driver who has been drinking. Never allow another person to drive if they have been drinking. Remove their keys, and be firm.

Plan ahead about your transportation home. Appoint a designated driver, and ensure that the driver does not drink any alcohol. Enlist several friends to share the cost of a taxi home. Some communities also offer “sober driver” programs that may be called to drive home intoxicated patrons. Consider public transportation if available and safe in your area.

If a friend is in trouble, do not hesitate to get help. If a person is unconscious and not breathing normally, call an ambulance immediately. Roll an unconscious person onto their side to minimize choking on vomit. Do not try to “sober them up” with a cold shower, slapping, or coffee. These methods will not work and will only delay lifesaving medical treatment.

Remember that the holiday season should be a time for merriment. Using these tips may help ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday.

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