Responsible Alcohol Behavior

When you entertain, there are many things you can do to practise responsible alcohol behavior and to create a fun but safe enviroment at your party. You can....

Use a bartender
A bartender can measure drinks and "cut off" those who indulge too much.

Serve food
Food slows alcohol absorption

Offer non-alcoholic beverages
Serve interesting non-alcoholic drinks

I was confused about the meaning of compassion, I thought it meant making excuses for the alcoholic or covering bad cheques for them, I have now found another word for this behavior, "enabling." I now realize that when I cleaned up the consequences of the drinkers behavior, I enabled the drinker to continue drinking comfortably and to continue acting out without having to pay the price. I now realize that if I try to spare the drinker the consequences of their drinking, it may avert or reduce the very crisis that would prompt them to seek help.

You may be shocked and surprised to learn that in a 2007 survey of Bermuda's teenagers, the average age for drinking alcohol regularly was 14 years old. This is a terrifying figure, because it is known that a person who begins consuming alcohol before the age of 15 is 4 times more likely to develop alcohol dependence (alcoholism) than someone who watis until age 21.

To see how to talk with young people about alcohol click here How To Talk With Your Children About Alcohol

As an adult, here are more things you can do to prevent and stop underage drinking:

Do not give, buy or serve alcohol to young people under the age of 18
Giving alcohol to someone who is under the age of 18, or turning a blind eye when a young person is consuming alcohol is dangerous and irresponsible. Some adults use alcohol as a special occasion celebration, allowing young people to have a sip of beer, wine or champagne at special events. For the reasons stated earlier this is very harmful and dangerous.

Model responsible alcohol behavior infront of your children
Simply stated, children copy adults' behavior, therefore model restraint and set a good example. Your children will grow up to do what they have SEEN you do. If you choose to drink you can positively influence young people by drinking in moderation and never driving if you have been drinking. If you or your partner struggle with alcohol use, seek proffessional help. Call 295 5982.

Don't keep alcohol in your house, or lock it up
Take the alcohol out of your fridge and lock it up. Or better yet, don't keep alcohol in your house.

Continued...

7 out of 10 deaths on Bermuda’s roads involve alcohol or drugs.

If you plan to consume alcohol, put a plan in place to get home safely. Put this plan in place before you leave home.

Remember ABCD – Always use Bus, Cab or Designated Driver