Alcohol, Drugs and the Holidays
Alcohol and illegal drugs have a serious impact on society, especially during the holidays. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2004, 1,316 people died in drunk driving accidents between Thanksgiving and New Years Day. Thanksgiving Day is the deadliest day for drunk driving accidents, followed closely by New Years Eve/Day. In 2005, 39% of fatal crashes involved alcohol, and approximately 10-22% of drivers involved in motor vehicle crashes were under the influence of illegal drugs, many of them combining the illegal drugs with alcohol. One way to make it out of the holidays safely is to be aware. The most dangerous time to be driving is between midnight and 3a.m. In 2003, 77% of fatal accidents involving alcohol occurred during this time.
The most widely used drug is alcohol, which is legal in most parts of the world. Cultural, environmental, and psychological factors influence alcohol abuse. Many people find added stress during the holidays and turn to alcohol and other drugs to help them cope. Studies have shown men are more likely to abuse alcohol than women. Alcohol abuse is one of the most common causes of death during the holiday seasons in the United States. Signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse are erratic behavior, non-compliance in responsibilities, legal problems (DUI), moodiness, slurred speech, double vision, impaired memory and depression. Alcohol affects driving by dulling the person’s judgment and concentration, slowing reaction time, increasing blind spots and causing the driver to have blurry vision. It hinders muscle control and coordination, exaggerates emotions and increases drowsiness.
The use of illegal drugs also rises during the holidays. Many people combine illegal and legal drugs with alcohol. This creates an increased effect of the alcohol and the drug. Some of the most common drugs combined with alcohol include marijuana, antihistamines, narcotics and tranquilizers.
Marijuana, or cannabis, is one of the most widely used drugs but is illegal in most parts of the world. Signs of marijuana use are rapid and loud talking, inflammation of the sclera (white of the eye), an odor of burnt rope on the clothing or breath, and possession of paraphernalia. In addition to what alcohol will do, marijuana will also dull concentration and reasoning abilities, hindering maneuvering abilities and the ability to recognize traffic signals. It affects memory and tracking ability and increases distraction.
Many people find themselves with colds during the holidays and combine alcohol with antihistamines. Antihistamines, especially when combined with alcohol, increase drowsiness, confusion and anxiety.
People, especially this year, will struggle during the holidays. They will struggle because of the increased demands from their families and on their wallet. They may turn to their prescription drugs, such as valium or xanax, or illegal drugs, including cocaine or heroine. Many people use sleeping aids to help them sleep. Sleeping aids combined with alcohol can cause a deadly overdose.
If the holidays cause you to reach for alcohol and/or drugs, seek professional help before the stress begins, find an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting in your area. Avoid places where alcohol and/or drugs will be flowing and readily available and make an effort not to let yourself get too hungry, angry, lonely or tired.
If you are throwing a party, avoid making alcohol the main focus of the celebration. Serve your guests high protein and high carbohydrate foods in order to slow the effects of alcohol. Stop serving alcohol one hour before the party ends, and start serving non-alcoholic beverages. Also, ensure everyone gets home safely- call a taxi or let them stay at your place.