5 Ways to Avoid Binge Drinking on St. Patrick’s Day

If you wonder how to participate in St.Patrick’s Day festivities and enjoy the holiday without binge drinking, we have a few tips that will help you resist the temptation.

First of all, what is St Patrick’s Day, and why do so many people celebrate it with alcoholic beverages?  You might be surprised at the answers.

St Patrick’s Day is observed on March 17th every year.  Originally a religious holiday to commemorate the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, the holiday is also an opportunity to celebrate Irish culture and heritage.  In 1762 New York City hosted the first St Patrick’s Day parade, and the tradition spread globally.

People drink a lot of beer on St Patrick’s Day for several reasons.  The tradition began centuries ago when March 17 and the Christian season of Lent coincided. As part of Lent, people are required to abstain from certain foods and beverages, especially alcohol.  

Later, the combination of people breaking from Lent and celebrating their national heritage on the same day eventually became the number one beer-drinking, binge-drinking holiday in the U.S.  

Risks Associated with Binge Drinking

Binge drinking is the practice of consuming large amounts of alcoholic beverages over a short period.  Millions of people abstain from alcohol during the week and then drink heavily on the weekends or holidays.  

The CDC describes binge drinking as four or more drinks for women, or five or more drinks for men during an occasion.  Standard drink sizes include:

• 12 ounces of 5% ABV beer
• 8 ounces of 7% ABV malt liquor
• 5 ounces of 12% ABV wine
• 1.5 ounces of ABV (80 proof) rum, gin, vodka, whiskey, etc.

Excessive drinking includes underage drinking, heavy drinking, binge drinking, and drinking during pregnancy.  It can lead to a range of health consequences, social problems, and mental health issues.  About 178,000 deaths are attributed to excessive drinking in the U.S. each year.

About one in six Americans admit to binge drinking several times a month, consuming about seven drinks per occasion. 

A high rate of alcohol consumption can lead to:

• Risky sexual behavior, STDs
• Increased chance of becoming the victim of sexual violence
• Memory problems
• High blood pressure
• Heart-related problems, heart attack, stroke
• Alcohol poisoning, death
• Weakened immune system
• Liver problems
• Higher chance of cancer
• Mental health problems
• Miscarriage or stillbirth if drinking while pregnant
• Social isolation

Teenage and adult binge drinkers are at high risk of developing lifelong alcohol use disorder (AUD).  

5 Ways to Resist Binge Drinking on St. Patrick’s Day

If you drink during St. Patrick’s Day activities, here are some ways you can lower your risks:

1. Have something to eat before or while drinking.  Many of the holiday events offer traditional Irish foods, so take a break from alcohol and enjoy some of the food.
2. Drink more slowly,  Avoid doing shots.
3. Alternate between alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic ones.  Drink water between drinks to avoid dehydration and hangovers.
4. Go to the event with people who don’t binge drink.
5. Plan to leave early if the drinking gets out of control. Take a cab or Uber so you don’t put yourself or anyone else at risk by driving and drinking.

The most effective way to avoid binge drinking is to stay sober.  Rather than go to events that typically promote alcohol, plan your own celebration with sober friends and family.  This is a great way to begin a new tradition.

Treatment for Binge Drinking and AUD at Design for Change Recovery

If you are struggling to control your binge drinking or AUD, we will help you get on the path to sobriety.  At Design for Change Recovery, we provide client-centric programs that align with your unique situation.  Our full continuum of care includes:

• Outpatient Programs
• Intensive Outpatient Programs
• Inpatient/Residential Programs
• Intensive Inpatient Programs
• Partial Hospitalization (PHP)
• Extended Care Services

Different levels of care are available that we will customize for your situation.  We offer short-term or long-term programs that consist of counseling, skills training, evidence-based therapies, holistic therapies, and more:

• Detoxification
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
• Medication-Assisted Treatment
• Group and Individual Counseling
• Dual-Diagnosis Treatment
• Holistic Therapies
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Psychodrama Therapy
  • Bio-Sound Therapy
  • Experiential Therapy
  • Music and Art Therapy
  • Mindfulness and Meditation
  • Nutritional Education
• Relapse Prevention Strategies
• Family Therapy

Design for Change works in-network with major insurance companies to ensure you get the highest level of care available.  Our Lancaster, CA facility provides a comforting and secure environment staffed by skilled, certified, and compassionate professionals.

Contact us by phone, email, or online to learn more about our program.  Our treatment advisors are available and ready to help you create a recovery plan that suits your needs. 

Sources:

wikipedia.org– Saint Patrick’s Day

https://www.niaaa.nih.gov – Understanding Alcohol’s Adverse Impact on Health

cdc.gov – Facts About Excessive Drinking