CELEBRATE WITH CARE

During the holiday season, ACHC encourages you to Celebrate With Care.  Many experience overwhelming responsibilities, bustling activity and increased stress in the midst of magical moments of joy, anticipation and wonder.

In our society, consumption of alcohol and celebrations traditionally go hand in hand. Anyone can experience problems when drinking alcohol.  Alcohol is a depressant that effects cognitive ability, coordination and physical well-being. During a season when energy levels need to be high, stress levels tend to rise and social opportunities abound, we need to keep in mind the importance of celebrating with care.

The following are some tips to make hosting or attending a holiday party a healthy, safe and fun celebration.

As a host of a party, make the most of your celebration:

" Provide attractive, appetizing non-alcoholic beverages.  There are many on-line recipes if you want ideas.
" Create a relaxed atmosphere.
" Always provide a choice of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages during celebration events.
" Plan activities to keep guests entertained.
" Serve plenty of food and limit any salty, thirst provoking items.
" REMEMBER: Serving any person under the age of 21 is ILLEGAL,and compromises the young person’s healthy development.

When attending a holiday party, celebrate with care:

" Make healthy decisions about drinking alcohol
" Prior to attending any party or social event, think about yourself first
" Take your own non-alcoholic beverage of choice to the party
" It is not necessary to explain why you have chosen not to drink
" If going with a friend, make a pact that you will not abandon each other
" Adopt the attitude that drinking does not need to be the focus of the party
" Remember the holidays are about celebrating the joy and wonder of the season. 

So Celebrate with Care.

Happy holidays!