Have the craic, not the consequences – drink responsibly this St Patrick’s Day
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding anyone choosing to drink alcohol this St Patrick’s Day to plan ahead and make safer choices.
Stephanie Hanlon, Regional Lead for Drugs and Alcohol at the PHA, said: “As people get ready to celebrate St Patrick’s Day with their friends and family, we are reminding them to keep an eye on their alcohol intake, should they choose to drink.
“You should make a plan and stick to it. This can be difficult when you feel under pressure in a group situation, when peers may say ‘just have one more drink’, but keeping an eye on what your drinking, and letting others know you’re sticking to it can help.
“Drinking too much can spoil the celebrations for you and those around you. In the short term, it can lead to nausea, vomiting and hangovers, as well as increasing the risk of falls or accidents that can result in injury. It can also affect our judgement, leading us to do things we wouldn’t otherwise do and that we might regret later. This can include unplanned sexual activity, relationship difficulties and getting into arguments and violent situations.
“Drinking too much alcohol over a long period of time can cause damage to the liver, heart, brain and stomach. Remember you don’t need alcohol to have a good time, you can have just as much fun, if not more, having an alcohol-free day or reducing the amount you drink.”
If you do decide to drink, know your limits and support your friends and family to know their limits too. Try to follow these simple tips to stay safe:
- Set a drink limit: set a reasonable alcohol limit for the day – taking note of the guidelines www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/alcohol-units
- Eat before you drink: eat a substantial meal before having a drink to slow alcohol absorption (remember eating is not cheating!) www.pha.site/meal-planning-tips
- Stay hydrated: prioritise drinking water.
- Raise a glass, not a gallon: drink moderately.
- Mingle and move: dancing and chatting may slow down your alcohol intake.
- If a friend does drink too much, don't leave them alone or let them wander off, encourage them to re-hydrate with non-alcoholic drinks, stick together and travel home together.
- Get home safe: arrange transport before you go out, for a safe journey home.
If you think you might have a problem with alcohol and/ or drugs and would like to get help please visit www.drugsandalcoholni.info for information on support services near you.
There is also a range of services available to you if you are affected by someone else’s drinking and/or drug misuse. These services are available to you regardless of whether or not your loved one is receiving help for his or her alcohol and/ or drug problem.