Happy New Year's Eve! To usher in 2025, many host or attend holiday parties to connect with friends and celebrate community. Along with good cheer, partying can create challenges that may lead to substance-related risks. For those who choose to celebrate with a drink or two, please remember not to drink and drive.
Here are some tips to celebrate safely so you can enjoy all that 2025 will bring:
Remember to Eat! - drinking on an empty stomach leads to more rapid absorption of alcohol. Choose high-protein foods like cheese and meat to slow down absorption. Avoid salty foods that tend to make you more thirsty and cause you to drink more.
Choose Non-Alcoholic Alternatives - enjoy alcohol-free "mocktails" when given an option. Chilled bottled water, sparkling seltzer, or sparkling cider or grape juice are good choices. Steer clear of alcoholic punches that tend to hide the taste of alcohol and cause people to drink larger quantities.
Stop Drinking/Serving Alcohol One Hour Before Party Ends - this gives guests time to process the alcohol that may already be in their systems. Also discard half-finished drinks.
Don't Rely on Caffeine to Sober Up - contrary to popular opinion, caffeine has no effect on how alcohol affects judgment, decision-making, or motor skills. Caffeine can mask alcohol impairment.
Have the Touch Conversations - if you suspect one of your guests has had too much to drink, don't be afraid to have a discrete conversation with them about how they plan to get home. Think safety, not judgment.
Arrange a Ride for Anyone Who Seems Impaired - for those who may imbibe...see if a friend or neighbor has room for one more passenger in their car to help a friend get home safely. Keep the numbers for Uber, Lyft, and/or cabs handy.
Also, AAA offers a Tow-to-Go program here in FL for impaired drivers. They will take you and your car to a safe location free of charge. Call 855-2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246. Visit https://www.acg.aaa.com/drivers-safety/tow-to-go.html
If you see someone driving who seems impaired, dial 9-1-1.
Have a Safe & Happy New Year
Don't Drink & Drive!
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