As the holiday season approaches, the Substance Abuse Action Council of Central CT would like to remind you to make it an alcohol safe holiday by following these tips for safe parties.

TIPS FOR HOSTS AND HOSTESSES:

• One out of three adults prefers a non-alcoholic beverage. Ensure that the choice is available at any holiday party. When alcohol is served, provide nutritious and appealing food to slow its effects.
• Serve alcoholic drinks only upon request and offer non-alcoholic alternatives such as sparkling water, fancy juice drinks, and soft drinks.
• Avoid making alcohol the main focus of the social event. Entertain guests with music, games, dancing, food and lively conversation.
• Require bartenders to measure the correct amount of liquor in drinks (no doubles) and instruct them to refuse service to anyone under 21 and individuals who appear to be impaired.
• Stop serving drinks at least one hour before the end of the event. Serve non-alcoholic beverages and desserts at that time.
• Provide drinkers with alternatives to driving. Offer your place to spend the night, drive the friend home yourself (if you have not been drinking), call a taxi, or ask someone who was not drinking to drive your friend home.
• Don't let a drinker drive. If the drinker insists on driving, take the keys, ask for help from other guests, or temporarily disable the car. If necessary, say you will call the police (and do so) if all else fails.

Myth: "Drinking coffee sobers me up."
Fact: Coffee cannot rid your system of alcohol. It just makes you a nervous, wide-awake drunk. Only time reverses impairment.

Myth: "I always stay away from the hard stuff."
Fact: Alcohol is alcohol. Beer has the same effect as straight scotch. One 12-ounce beer has as much alcohol as a 1.5 ounce shot of whiskey or a 5-ounce glass of wine.

Myth: "I'm bigger so I can handle my liquor better."
Fact: Size is only one factor in how much you can drink. Metabolism, amount of rest, and food intake all play a part in how you handle liquor. Impairment in motor reflexes and judgment can begin with the first drink.

Myth: "Once I roll down the car window, I'm okay."
Fact: No amount of fresh, cold air can reverse impairment. You gain nothing by rolling down a window or turning on the air conditioner.

Myth: "I'll just drive slower."
Fact: Many people do, believing they actually compensate for being impaired by creeping along at 22 m.p.h. This can be very dangerous. Others race along at 75 m.p.h. The truth is, impaired drivers are unsafe at any speed.

Myth: "All I have to do is splash cold water on my face." Fact: Splash all you like. You can even take a cold shower. It may make you cleaner, but it won't sober you up or make you a safe driver. Myth: "A drink or two makes me a better driver."
Fact: Even small amounts of alcohol can impair your judgment and put you and others on the road at risk of death or disabling injury.