THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2023 Page 5 How to Avoid Excessive Alcohol Use During the Holidays drink and 26% binge drink. It’s no secret that people tend to drink more during the holidays. Th e key to success is to practice saying no to alcohol; whether it is a legitimate reason or a wild made-up excuse, it all works. Tr y being direct and honest at fi rst, and say things like “No thanks, I don’t drink anymore,” “Alcohol does not mix well with me, “I can’t drink because my alcohol use gets out of hand sometimes,” or “I’ve decided I feel better without alcohol in my life.” If yo u cannot be straightforward, invent clever excuses, such as “I am taking a prescription I cannot mix with alcohol,” “I am training for a marathon, I can’t drink,” “Drinking is against my religion,” “No thanks, I get really belligerent when I drink,” or “Before I accept, I should warn you I brought a guitar with me.” Anothe r successful alternative MARCEL GEMME T he run-up to Christmas Day and days between then and New Year’s Day can seem like an endless drinking session. There seems always to be an excuse to crack open a bottle of booze. Whether at family gatherings, work parties, or any festive gathering, people are drinking, often in excess. Even social drinkers tend to find themselves consuming more alcohol than usual. I t can be challenging to avoid the pitfalls of excessive alcohol use during the holidays and refusing alcohol in social situations. Yet, it is not impossible, and t here are practical approaches anyone can use to turn down a drink, whether you are young, For Advertising with Results, call The call The Advocate dv cate Ne Newspapersspapers at 781-286-8500 or Info@advocatenews.net middle-aged, or a senior. In Massachusetts, the state ranks 14th highest among the states for binge drinking. Roughly 59% of Bay State adults (18+) is to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages. This can be the perfect time to try some holiday mocktails. For ma ny of us, having a drink in hand makes us feel more comfortable in social situations. It also makes it less likely that someone else will pressure us to drink alcohol. Or ste p i nto the designated driver role. This is one of the easiest excuses for not drinking at a holiday party. If you are the designated driver, you will have no explaining to do. Most p eople use the responsibility excuse; the average person will not argue with obligations, whether you say you have to work or have an early morning or another responsibility. Most adults have places to be Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 and things to get done, especially if they have kids. Christmas is a joyous time of year; never lose sight of the true meaning. Take this time to create new memories and traditions without the infl uence of alcohol. Marcel Gemme is the founder of DRS and has been helping people struggling with substance use for over 20 years. His work focuses on a threefold approach: education, prevention, and rehabilitation. 100 Salem Turnpike, Saugus, MA 01906
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