By: Lakeview Health
I just love how holidays have somehow become synonymous with excessive alcohol drinking. Labor Day, Memorial Day, New Year’s, Christmas Day…OK maybe not Christmas but you get the point. Why is our society so fixated on an extra day off of work meaning that we should overindulge in alcohol? Excessive amounts of alcohol consumed by individuals impair judgment, and sober individuals end up being at risk of being indirectly affected. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that more than 400 people died in alcohol-related accidents over Labor Day weekend in 2010. People who drink alcohol seem to think that their judgment is intact (if not better) when they are intoxicated. Don’t believe me? Argue with a drunk! Those of us who will be remaining sober this weekend should have some alternatives to boozing. Below is a list of some other ways you can spend your time alcohol-free:
- Go to the pool or beach and enjoy the outdoors.
- Have a barbecue in the backyard with some sober friends.
- Get involved with charity work giving back this holiday.
- Ask the kids what they want to do with their day.
- Buy a slip and slide for fun in the yard.
Whatever you choose to do this holiday weekend, please be safe and stay sober. Connect with us on Facebook and share your alternatives to boozing this holiday weekend.