[ back ]
BITS AND PIECES - 11/23/2008
(by Howard Ball - OpEd Columnist - November 26, 2008)
Holidays can be danger zone
With all the joy of the season, there are among us people who dread all the festivities. In the 29 years I have avoided alcohol I must have heard one phrase a million times: "Have just one drink. It will not hurt you!" I have always known that one drink will kill me. That is what an alcoholic must think.
When I was sober a few weeks, an old friend took my glass of Mountain Dew while I was away from the table. He filled the glass with Vodka because he wanted me to have as much fun as the rest of them. I was having as much fun and I would remember it the next day. Other friends helped me by telling what had happened. I went home sober. Since then I have never let my glass out of my sight and always watch when it is filled.
When you plan your holiday party, please think of the individuals who don't drink. The addiction to alcohol is a serious disease and the victims are always just one drink away from their problem. If you are going to douse the dessert with booze, please serve some without it and let the guests know about the alcohol. Over the years I have become wary of green or brown toppings on ice cream. I traditionally ask the host or waiter if there is alcohol on the food. In most cases I am provided with ice cream without the booze.
When your guest refuses an alcoholic beverage, they may have many reasons among them, alcoholism. Please don't use that old saying, "Just one drink." That phrase is the reason many nice people just stay at home to avoid temptation.
Those of us with the sickness live in a world that virtually swims in alcohol. The commercials on TV and the actors in drama all glorify the use of alcohol. If you believe the beer commercials, you are going to get a lovely model if you drink beer; the beer won't fill you up and it won't contribute to serious illness; it will make you the star of the show.
Why not plan for your friend and include non-alcoholic beverages. Coca-Cola and other sodas are fine. Fruit juices, coffee and tea are great. If a guest does not want a cocktail, leave it at that. Let everyone know the selection you have provided and don't push the booze.
There will, of course, be people at your celebration that can tolerate alcohol. Make sure there is food, which will dull the effect, and monitor the drinking so that nobody gets plastered. If you think a friend has had too much to drink, don't let them drive. Make arrangements for a safe trip home if you have to call a cab. You and your friends can have a safe and sober holiday.
The holiday season is also a time when we should think of our neighbors. Just knock on the door and see if that senior citizen has arrangements for the holiday. You can always set another place at your table for those who miss their own family and friends.
[ back ]
