Safer and Supportive Celebrations
While many of us look forward to holiday celebrations, it is important to be mindful of increased risks this time of year, including impaired driving and underage substance use. During the holiday season, alcohol consumption rises as many activities center around alcoholic beverages, and some turn to alcohol or other substances to navigate holiday challenges such as loneliness, stress, or challenging family dynamics. This can make participating in celebrations especially hard for those working on cutting down or avoiding drinking.
We all have a role to play in contributing to a joyful and safe holiday for our friends, family, and community members.
Get more tips, resources, and a festive mocktail recipe...
In addition, the holidays can be a time of stress or added triggers ranging from increased socializing or challenging family dynamics. For LGBTQ+ people, this can be even more pronounced in families where queer and trans identities are not respected. Unsupportive families and environments are a strong driver of increased tobacco and alcohol use amongst LGBTQ+ individuals.
Outright Vermont’s Holiday Survival Guide
Here are some tips from our friends at the Howard Center on celebrating sober. This is also a great way to disassociate holiday celebrations and alcohol consumption for the teens and young adults we care about. Celebrate Sober - Howard Center
If you are planning on drinking out this New Year's Eve, check out this Vermont attorney who offers ride reimbursement of up to $50 to help improve Vermont road safety. No DWI Sober Holiday Rides Initiative: Sabbeth Law. Please direct all questions about the reimbursement program directly to them on their website. This is not a BPHC program.
While those who struggle with or have quit alcohol and/or tobacco will likely encounter some triggers or added stressors this time of year, we want you to know that you are not alone in that. Vermont offers tons of free supports. Support is just a text or call away.
Find out what’s available at VTHelpLink
Check out our Resource Hub’s Get Help Section
Learn what’s new with FREE tobacco quit support for Vermonters.
Should Parents Let Teens Drink Alcohol As Long As It’s Under Their Roof? Experts Weigh In.
Most underage drinking occurs in private settings like home parties. While you may be tempted to offer your teen an alcoholic beverage, or you may think your child is safer consuming alcohol under your supervision, the research is clear: alcohol is not healthy for a developing brain. Youth who begin drinking in their teens are at greater risk of developing problems such as alcohol
