HOLIDAY DRINKING: FACT OR FICTION?

Fact: “Alcohol consumption increases during the holidays.”

Holiday-related alcohol consumption is a widespread cultural phenomenon with peaks during celebratory seasons. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), there is a noticeable increase in alcohol consumption during holidays, such as Christmas and New Year's. The allure of festive drinks and social gatherings often leads to more frequent and heavier drinking. Binge drinking is a significant concern during the holidays, as individuals may consume excessive amounts of alcohol in a short period. This behavior can lead to alcohol poisoning, accidents, and impaired decision-making. Certain individuals are more vulnerable to the hazards of holiday drinking, including those with a history of alcoholism, individuals with mental health disorders, and people taking medications that interact negatively with alcohol. Alcohol-dependent individuals may find it challenging to control their consumption during the holidays, leading to a heightened risk of relapse.

(American Psychiatric Association, 2023)

Fiction: “Dry January does not work.”

“Dry January”—a month-long feat to be sober—officially launched as a campaign in 2013 under the organization Alcohol Change UK. The tradition, in which people abstain from alcohol for the entire month, is growing in popularity. In 2022, nearly one in five US adults participated in Dry January, up from 13 percent the year before. Research has shown positive physiological effects of taking part in Dry January, such as improvements in concentration and sleep, reduced cholesterol and lower glucose levels, lower blood pressure, weight loss, increased energy, improvement in mood, and improvements in skin / hair. In addition, a majority of those who participate in dry January report a reduction in alcohol consumption that is sustained six months later and is unlikely to result in a “rebound effect.”

(American Psychological Association, 2015)

Angela Kang, PhD, is a licensed psychologist in New York and New Jersey with a private practice in Pelham and a member of Project Community.