Ah, the holidays.  The tree is up, the fire is roaring…. and the booze are flowing 

I recently read that one in five people will detox so they can binge drink over the holidays. Perhaps this abstinence is necessary being that one out of three people admit to drinking first thing in the morning on Christmas day. 

Overindulging may only cause a bad hangover, but it can lead to risky decision making, vomiting, and alcohol poisoning — not to mention the effects of intoxicated behavior. 

Binge drinking during the holidays has specifically been linked to a phenomenon known as “holiday heart syndrome,” which is a cardiac arrhythmia that occurs in people without a history of cardiovascular problems. 

In other words, it may be more harmful than you thought… 

So what can you do?  You can be mindful of your limits.  Also, think about making a plan about how much you want to drink and stick to it! 

Be sure you eat while you are drinking and before you start! 

Finally, replace alcoholic drinks with non alcoholic.  Be sure to keep drinking water as you go as well! 

Drinking can be a festive way to celebrate the holidays, but try to be mindful so you don’t end up with a horrible holiday hangover- physically or emotionally!