THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2024 Page 9 Holiday stress can lead to heavy alcohol use T he average person takes advantage of the downNickolaus Hayes is a healthcare professional in the field of substance use and addiction recovery and is part of the editorial team at DRS. His primary focus is spreading awareness by educating individuals on the topics surrounding substance use. time during the holiday season. As long as Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s have been celebrated, most people seize the opportunity to unwind, indulge and participate in holiday cheer, especially with alcohol. During prohibition years and in modern times, using alcohol to celebrate the holidays has never slowed. Yet, the general attitude towards moderation has changed as we better know the short- and long-term health impacts of alcohol use; the average American adult is not drinking excessively daily, weekly or monthly. Most people know alcohol is damaging to your mind and body; however, overindulgence is often encouraged during the holidays, and moderation and our knowledge of it sometimes conveniently no longer exists. A big reason for this is that even a joyous holiday season can cause stress for most individuals and families. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), nearly nine in 10 Americans say that concerns like not having enough money, missing loved ones, and family conflict cause them stress during this time of year. Unfortunately, close to two in five adults who experience stress during the holiday season said they use harmful coping mechanisms, such as drugs and alcohol. While most agree that the holiday season is a positive experience, we are often encouraged to manage stress by overindulging in things like alcohol, Happy Thanksgiving!! Schiavo Club Annual Senior Thanksgiving Dinner Sunday, November 24, 2024 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM food or even drugs, and this has never changed in our society. Advertising is geared to play on this; bars, restaurants, liquor stores and alcohol suppliers know alcohol sales increase at this time of year, and the messaging is simple – buy our product and celebrate the festive season. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS), 21.1% of MassaNICKOLAUS | SEE PAGE 27 chusetts adults over 18 binge drink at least once per month. The median number of drinks per binge is 5.4, and the 25% of active drinkers in the state consume a median of seven drinks per binge. Unfortunately, there is an average of 2,760 annual deaths in Massachusetts attributable to excessive alcohol use. There are strategies and re425r Broadway, Saugus Located adjacent to Kohls Plaza Route 1 South in Saugus at the intersection of Walnut Street We are on MBTA Bus Route 429 781-231-1111 We are a Skating Rink with Bowling Alleys, Arcade and two TV’s where the ball games are always on! PUBLIC SKATING SCHEDULE 12-7 p.m. Sunday Monday Tuesday $10.00 Price includes Roller Skates Rollerblades/inline skates $3.00 additional cost Private Parties 7:30-11 p.m. Wednesday Thursday Friday Schiavo Club Association 71 Tileston St., Everett Must be a senior citizen and Everett resident to attend Saturday $10.00 Price includes Roller Skates 18+ Adults Only After 7 PM - ID Required Private Parties Private Parties 4-8 p.m. $10.00 8:30-11 p.m. $11. 18+ Adults Only After 7 PM - ID Required 12-9 p.m. $10.00 Everyone must pay admission after 6 p.m. Sorry No Checks - ATM on site Roller skate rentals included in all prices Inline Skate Rentals $3.00 additional BIRTHDAY & PRIVATE PARTIES AVAILABLE www.roller-world.com
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