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Holiday Blues: The Dangers of Coping with Alcohol and Prescription Drugs

Holiday Blues: The Dangers of Coping with Alcohol and Prescription Drugs

Don’t end up spending the holidays somewhere you really don’t want to, like jail. Never drink and/or take drugs and drive.

Don’t Let Alcohol and Prescription Drug Abuse Ruin the Holidays

For many, the holidays are about coming together with family and friends and sharing the warmth of the fire. They look forward to eating good food, exchanging gifts, and enjoying one another’s company. However, this picturesque world does not unfold for everyone. Family conflicts, lack of money, loneliness, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are just a few of the issues that some people have to contend with this holiday season. Coping with these negative influences has some turning to alcohol or prescription drugs.

Not only could using drugs and alcohol be detrimental to a person’s holidays, but they can also cast a dark shadow over other people’s holiday cheer too. Drinking excessively and/or ingesting prescription drugs and getting behind the wheel of a vehicle can have dire consequences. Don’t end up spending the holidays somewhere you really don’t want to, like jail. Never drink and/or take drugs and drive. Take a moment to remember and mitigate some of the factors that can contribute to alcohol and prescription drug use this holiday season.

Avoid Excessive Alcohol and Prescription Drugs Over These Factors

Even though these factors can wreak havoc on the psyche, the police are still very vigilant around the holidays. This is also a season for increased DUI checkpoints. They are constantly on the lookout for any potential DUIs during this time of year. So, take extra steps to mitigate some of these holiday headaches.

1.Stress

Stress is the number one leading factor for many people to excessively drink and consume prescription drugs around the holidays. Stress can include finances, gift-giving, strained relationships, excessive to-do lists, being alone, and missing someone who has passed away.

2. Holiday Depression

According to a survey done by American Addiction Centers, 25% of people report higher levels of depression during the holidays. Some of the larger factors include loneliness, missing a loved one, and juggling finances.

3. Anxiety

Anxiety is the most common psychological affliction in America. It affects 40 million adults over the age of 18. People get especially nervous about money, family relationships, and being alone during the holidays.

Other Ways of Coping with Holiday Stress, Depression, and Anxiety

It is highly advised to find alternatives to alcohol and prescription drug use. Alcohol and prescription drug use might be one of the easier ways to cope with the holiday blues, but they are not the safest. It is stated in the survey done by the American Addiction Centers that drug and alcohol-induced deaths reach all-time highs during December and January. According to backtrack.com, the average number of fatalities involving an alcohol-impaired driver rises 34% from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve. So, before you decide to drink or consume prescription drugs try some of these other activities first this holiday season.

 Alcohol and Prescription Drug Coping Alternatives

  • Working out regularly
  • Eating healthy
  • Prioritizing sleep
  • Spending time with family and friends
  • Meditation
  • Restricting your budget or finding alternatives to expensive gifts
  • Skipping family, friend, or work gatherings
  • Seeing a therapist
  • Taking time off work

Charged with a holiday DUI? Calling an Experienced DUI Lawyer Can Make Your Holidays Brighter!

You should never consume prescription drugs if you don’t have a prescription for them. The effects could be long standing on your body and your criminal record. If you are going to celebrate the holidays using alcohol, then don’t get behind the wheel of a vehicle. There are safer ways to get home, like taxis, Ubers, and designated drivers. However, if you, or someone you know, has been arrested for a DUI or possession of a controlled substance, you should call on experienced legal assistance. Jesse Kalter is a top DUI attorney and criminal attorney in Nevada. His tenacious pursuit of justice has earned countless not-guilty verdicts and gotten other cases dismissed. Jesse Kalter is available to serve the people of Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Fallon, Fernley, Dayton, Yerington, Douglas County, and all other Northern NV rural counties.

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