SIMCOE MUSKOKA – As the holiday season approaches and calendars are filling up with festive events, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) encourages residents to keep their health in mind by making informed choices about alcohol and drinking less this holiday season. These choices not only support personal well-being but can also have a positive impact on others, especially young people.

Social gatherings during the holidays often include alcohol and it can result in drinking more than intended. However, the latest research from the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction shows that when it comes to alcohol, less is better. Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health explains that the more a person drinks, the greater their risk of both short and long-term harms, including several types of cancer such as breast and colorectal, heart disease, liver damage, alcohol dependence, and injuries from violence or motor vehicle collisions.

“Reducing your alcohol use during the holidays is a meaningful way to care for yourself and those around you,” says Mia Brown, manager of the health unit’s Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction program. “When you choose to drink less, you not only lower your risk for serious health conditions but also experience other benefits such as improved sleep, more energy, and a clearer mind. These positive changes can help you feel more present and connected with the people you care about.”

Changing how you approach alcohol can also have a positive effect on young people in your life, says Brown. “For adults who drink, modelling responsible drinking or choosing not to drink at all can make a real difference. Young people are influenced by the adults around them, and positive examples can help delay their alcohol use and support a healthier relationship with alcohol later in life.”

Tips for how to model responsible drinking:
• Set clear personal limits and stick to them.
• Measure alcohol when mixing drinks to prevent overpouring.
• Avoid getting drunk, especially in front of children and youth.
• Demonstrate how to politely decline offers of alcohol in front of young people.
• Celebrate without alcohol to show that fun doesn’t depend on drinking alcohol.
• Practice healthy stress relief, like walking, listening to music, or spending time with friends.

If you are hosting a celebration that includes alcohol, consider ways to support safer consumption. Offer a variety of appealing non-alcoholic choices, serve food, include fun activities or entertainment that do not centre around drinking, and make sure everyone has a safe way to get home.

For more information, tips, and resources on making safer choices about alcohol this holiday season, visit smdhu.org/LetsTalkOverDrinks.