During the pre-Christmas parties and year-end holidays, many consume more alcohol than usual. Excessive drinking leads to an increase in emergency tasks and hospital visits, burdening healthcare, rescue services, and police more than usual. The preventive substance abuse organization EHYT ry’s campaign offers tips on how to avoid unpleasant situations and ensure that the mood for oneself and loved ones remain festive.

In Finland, alcohol consumption has decreased in recent years, but drinking to the point of intoxication is still common. One-fifth of Finns regularly drink to intoxication, according to the latest Drinking Patterns Study by THL (Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare).

Intoxication increases the risk of various accidents and public disturbances.

“Alcohol impairs reaction ability and motor skills, leading to injuries and hazardous situations. Impaired judgment caused by intoxication can also create problems in relationships. For instance, one might say things that are later regretted,” explains Kaisa Åberg, Head of Substance Abuse Counseling.

“We have compiled tips that can easily prevent many harms. A good start is to remember the risk limits during celebrations and ensure that one’s drinking does not exceed them,” Åberg says.

For working-age men, the high-risk limit for alcohol consumption is 7 units and for women, 5 units at a time. One alcohol unit equates to, for example, 0.33 liters of medium beer or 12 centiliters of wine. On a weekly level, the risk limit is exceeded after 14 units for men and 7 for women.

If there are many parties in succession, alcohol consumption can add up unnoticed, even if not drinking large amounts at individual events. Therefore, it’s advisable to pay attention to one’s drinking over a longer period, using tools like the Ottomitta drink diary (ottomitta.ehyt.fi).

“Not all parties require drinking, even if alcohol is available. Could the party atmosphere be created without it, with good company, music, and food?” Åberg suggests.

“If you feel that your drinking is not under control and your own methods are insufficient, the Substance Abuse Counseling professionals offer discussion support and advice around the clock, including on holidays,” Åberg reminds.

The EHYT ry’s “Keep the Holiday Season Festive” campaign is active on social media in weeks 47 and 48.

5 Tips to Keep Your Drinking Moderate, Even During the Festive Season:

1. Prefer mild drinks and small servings. Choose non-spiced glögi or a mild beer. Would just one glass of wine with dinner suffice?
2. Don’t drink on an empty stomach. Blood alcohol concentration rises more slowly when you’ve eaten well. If you drink more than one unit, have a glass of water or a non-alcoholic drink between alcohol servings.
3. Know your limits. The high-risk limit for single-session drinking is 7 alcohol units for healthy working-age men and 5 for women. Individual factors affect risks. A completely safe level cannot be determined.
4. Slow down the pace of drinking and take breaks between drinks. Decide, for example, to not drink more than one unit per hour and stick to your decision.
5. Don’t drink at every party. If there are many parties, keep some alcohol-free to enjoy future events.

Find further information from EHYT ry (Finland, November 2023)