Excess is everywhere when it comes to the holidays. As a whole, we usually eat more, drink more and spend more when the weather gets cold.

As is the norm, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has provided a number of resources related to alcohol consumption and tips on how to be safe at this time of year.

1. Set a limit on the number of drinks you plan to have at gatherings, parties or throughout the holiday season. You can also establish days of the week when you will not have any drinks.

2. Drink slowly to avoid becoming drunk, especially since this can lead to more drinking.

3. Avoid drinking on an empty stomach. Your body takes longer to absorb alcohol if you have food.

4. Have a designated driver or have the phone number of a cab company in case you have too much to drink.

The organization also suggests serving non-alcoholic beverages at parties if you are a host, limiting the amount of alcoholic beverages, serving plenty of food and presenting coffee and dessert before the end of the party.

They also have suggestions on ways to resist the temptation to drink, which includes limiting the number of holiday parties you attend, learning to say no, having an answer ready if someone offers you a drink and sharing your self-imposed drinking limits with your friends and family so that they can help you fight the temptations.

For more information: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism website

Photo Credit: Keith Mizuguchi

• Tag: alcohol, alcoholism, drinking, drinking and driving, holiday parties