Can’t Turn It Off

Earlier this fall, I took my 6th grader to go see the second Beetlejuice movie (we loved it, it was fun and also nostalgic if you loved the original film). As we were reclining in our lounges and snacking on popcorn, we watched an early scene where one character was clearly having an anxiety attack and raced to the bathroom to pull out her prescription bottle (Xanax or similar, I assume) and attempt to take a pill. Her boyfriend storms in and takes it out of her hands stopping her, then they talk, then he gives the prescription bottle back to her so she can take a pill, then HE takes one himself. Out of HER prescription bottle. Without even thinking, I am then smacking my kid saying “See that! We do NOT take pills or medicines that are NOT prescribed to us! He should not have taken that medicine that wasn’t his. Don’t take things that aren’t yours.” My kid responded saying, “Ok, ok, mom. Got it.” 

I cannot turn it off. I have to take all the opportunities to quietly, or loudly in a THEATER, signal prevention information to my children. About drugs, sex, all of it. I guess this is what happens when you are a health educator–nothing is off the table, much to my kids’ embarrassment. 

Since it is the holiday season, there are many opportunities to quietly (i.e. role model) and loudly (i.e. direct conversations and expectation setting) have a prevention moment. I often look to Responsibiliity.org for their messaging and they again have a great campaign for the holidays: Good Friends, Good Choices, Good Tidings. Here are some tips to share:

GOOD FRIENDS

Gathering with family, friends, and community is one of the greatest joys of the holiday season. If you are hosting, prioritize safety and responsibility by serving food, water, and no-alcohol beverages, adding responsibility language to your invite, and never serving anyone under 21. Separate adult beverage options from beverages for kids and teens. Consider hiring or appointing a bartender so cocktails are consistent in both potency and flavor and avoid “topping off” drinks before they’re empty so guests can keep track of their consumption.

GOOD CHOICES

Lead by example and model responsible behaviors around alcohol – especially if kids are present. If you choose to drink, do so responsibly by knowing what a “standard drink” is, how alcohol affects your blood alcohol content (BAC) and how that affects you. Always plan for a safe ride home and never let your friends drive drunk or impaired. With all the festivities, there are more cars on the roads, making it crucial to stay alert and obey traffic laws. In December 2022, the latest data available to us, 1,062 people died in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes (NHTSA). Drunk driving is a choice, and the injuries and fatalities that are the result of these actions are 100% preventable.

GOOD TIDINGS

By embracing responsibility, we can bring tidings of great joy to our holiday season. If you choose to drink, do so responsibly and always respect the decision of those who may be taking the night off or choose not to drink for any reason. Cheers to a safe and joyous holiday season!

We at CTC wish you a healthy, happy, holiday season!