How to survive year-end party season without getting drunk
gettyimagesbank
Click here for more articles by Kormedi.com.
As year-end gatherings swing into full gear, alcohol often takes center stage. Office dinners, reunions with old classmates, family get-togethers, workplace parties and New Year’s celebrations tend to pile up in quick succession. Before long, drinking can start to feel like part of everyday life. But behind the festive mood is a set of health and safety risks.
According to the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol consumption during the year-end holiday season increases by as much as 25 percent compared with usual levels, accompanied by a rise in alcohol-related accidents and hospitalizations. Binge drinking, in particular, becomes more common, driving up traffic accidents and alcohol-related crimes and potentially turning casual drinking into a broader social problem.
In South Korea, the Korea Transportation Safety Authority reported a total of 13,042 drunk-driving accidents in 2023. Of those, 4,025 occurred in December alone, about 18 percent higher than the monthly average. Around 100 people were killed in drunk-driving accidents during December and January, with drivers in their 20s and 30s accounting for nearly half of the fatal cases. More than 50 percent of accidents occurred between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Police data shows that the repeat offender rate for drunk driving exceeds 40 percent, underscoring the seriousness of the issue.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency estimates that the socioeconomic cost of alcohol consumption reached 15.08 trillion won ($11.3 billion) in 2019, exceeding the burden caused by smoking or obesity. During the year-end period, emergency room visits related to alcohol increase by about 20 to 30 percent, with people in their 20s to 40s making up the largest share. Many are treated for acute alcohol poisoning or injuries linked to drunk driving, falls or violence.
So how can people enjoy the holidays without ending up dangerously intoxicated? Health experts suggest several practical strategies.
First, understanding standard drink sizes matters. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines one standard drink as 355 milliliters of beer at 5 percent alcohol, 148 mL of wine at 12 percent alcohol or 44 mL of distilled spirits at 40 percent alcohol. Using these benchmarks helps people objectively track how much they have consumed. The problem, experts say, is that many people are unaware of these standards or dismiss them with a casual “just one more.”
Second, creating alcohol-free alternatives is key. Experts stress the importance of offering nonalcoholic beverages at gatherings and fostering a culture that does not pressure people to drink. Research shows that even those who do not drink alcohol can still enjoy year-end celebrations fully. A party does not need alcohol to be lively.
Third, managing stress can reduce the urge to drink. Year-end pressures — from workplace evaluations to financial concerns and social obligations — often drive people toward alcohol. Regular exercise, walks, meditation or volunteering can help relieve stress in healthier ways. Consistent physical activity is known to reduce alcohol cravings and improve mental health.
Fourth, recognizing social responsibility is essential. Traffic increases during the holidays, and late-night driving becomes more common. Drunk driving can have fatal consequences. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warns that deaths from drunk-driving accidents spike during the holiday season. Using public transportation or designated driver services is a critical preventive step.
Fifth, building habits of self-control can make a difference. Even when attending drinking events, people can set personal limits by skipping rounds, alternating alcohol with water, leaving after the first venue if drinking is expected to continue, or eating a full meal beforehand. Slowing the pace of drinking helps, and small habits can add up to meaningful change.
Sixth, linking moderation to New Year’s goals can boost motivation. Many people set resolutions around health, self-improvement or finances. Including alcohol moderation as part of those goals increases the likelihood of reducing consumption. Studies suggest that people with specific goals are more successful at cutting back on drinking.
There is also no shortage of alcohol-free ways to enjoy the season. Performing arts such as theater, movies, musicals and opera capture the festive spirit while protecting health. Musicals blend music and dance, opera offers grand staging and powerful vocals, and the classic ballet “The Nutcracker” remains a family favorite. New Year’s classical concerts have become a refined tradition, while jazz performances add a sophisticated edge to holiday excitement.
Exhibitions and hands-on experiences are another option. Special museum shows offer artistic inspiration at year’s end, while craft or cooking classes provide a sense of accomplishment and a chance to prepare something meaningful for oneself or others.
Health-focused activities also stand out. Night running or city walks in crisp winter air can clear both body and mind. Sunrise events to welcome the new year, held across the country, offer a memorable alternative to late-night drinking.
Social participation can be equally rewarding. Volunteering at hospitals, nursing homes or free meal centers allows people to spend time with those in need, and donation campaigns offer a way to contribute to meaningful change.
Quieter options include book clubs, meditation or yoga workshops, and photography exhibitions that invite reflection and calm. Reading and discussion can open new perspectives, while mindfulness activities help release the year’s accumulated tension and prepare for a fresh start.
Alcohol-free events and activities can enrich the holiday season. Choosing performance tickets over a drink or heading out for a sunrise hike can make year-end celebrations brighter and the new year healthier. By filling the season with culture, experience, wellness and sharing, rather than excessive drinking, the holidays can become a meaningful time rather than a test of endurance.
This article from Kormedi.com, Korea’s top health care and medical portal, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.