Preventing Excess and Managing Addictions During the Holidays
- Steve Fillion
- Nov 28
- 2 min read
Why this matters during the holiday season
Holidays are often linked to celebrations, gatherings, and joy. They can also bring stress, pressure, loneliness, and nostalgia. For some people, these difficult emotions increase the temptation to consume more alcohol, tobacco, sweets, or other substances.
Even temporary overuse can worsen anxiety, fatigue, mood, and sleep. In the rush of the season, excessive consumption can take hold without being noticed.That is why prevention matters.
What research shows
The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction highlights that the less we drink, the lower the health risks. Even small reductions help protect health.
Alcohol can disrupt brain chemistry, increasing anxiety and lowering mood.
Holiday routines — late nights, social pressure, busy schedules — make excess consumption more likely.
Practical strategies for a healthier season
1. Know your limits and plan ahead
Choose what you are comfortable with before a gathering.Examples: setting a drink limit, alternating with water, or choosing not to drink.
2. Offer or bring alternatives
Mocktails, soda water, tea, flavoured sparkling drinks. It supports your choices while staying engaged in the celebration.
3. Plan alcohol-free or “gentle” days
Movement, nature, reading, calling a friend, quality rest — these breaks help the body and mind reset.
4. Notice internal and external triggers
Fatigue, sadness, stress, isolation, group pressure — knowing your triggers helps you act early with healthier coping tools.
5. Name what you feel
For many people, substances become a way to cope with anxiety or loneliness.Naming the emotion makes room to choose a different response.
6. Stay informed about risks
Health risks increase with higher alcohol consumption.Awareness supports better decisions.
7. Reach out if consumption becomes harder to manage
There is help — confidential support lines, peer groups, and local services.Seeking support is a sign of strength, not failure.
🎄 Holiday season with balance and support
Organize gatherings without alcohol: board games, outdoor walks, cooking nights, movie evenings.
Build a “well-being calendar”: one small action per day for your mental health.
Be open about your choices with trusted people to reduce social pressure.
See self-care as a gift — to yourself and others.
Holidays do not require excess.
They can be a time to reconnect, rest, and celebrate with intention.
Setting boundaries, managing stress, and asking for help when needed — that is how we protect mental health, for ourselves and our community.
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