Parties, family get-togethers, special events and holidays seem like natural opportunities to "have a few social drinks," even if you don't normally drink. You may not buy alcoholic beverages yourself, but they'll probably be offered to you frequently during these times. Here are some safety facts to consider before you raise your glass.

Alternatives to Drinking Alcohol

Don't make drinking the main focus of your get-togethers. If you're the host, provide plenty of tempting and nutritious nonalcoholic foods and drinks. Starchy foods, such as pizza, stuffed potatoes and cheese and crackers, and drinks such as juice, soda and nonalcoholic punch are ideal. If you're a guest, concentrate on consuming these goodies rather than alcohol. Set a limit on how much you will drink and stick to it. Never force drinks on a guest or feel you have to drink alcohol to "get in the mood." Don't drink punch or eggnog without asking first if they contain alcohol. Drink the plain versions instead. If you are the host, it’s always best to close the bar at least one hour before the end of the activity.

Drinking and Driving

One of the dangers of drinking alcoholic beverages is that you may think you're in control of your driving, but in reality you are not. If you're a frequent drinker, you may not feel drunk after a few drinks, but your blood alcohol level will show that you are. If friends tell you that you shouldn't drive, listen to them. Leave with a designated driver. Having as few as three or four drinks in an evening can double your chances of being in an accident. After seven or eight drinks, those odds increase 25 times.

Time is the Only Cure

How soon after drinking is it safe to drive? The answer depends on how much you weigh, how much you've had to eat and how your body handles alcohol. On average, your body needs at least one hour for each drink you've had, to process and get rid of the alcohol. There's no other way to do it. Black coffee won't do it and neither will a cold shower or any other so-called remedy. Only time will make you sober enough to drive. Knowing this, plan ahead and designate a driver, take public transportation or a taxi.

Questions about Drinking

Every year, the HealthQuest LIFELINE Employee Assistance Program helps State of Kansas employees and their family members with questions and concerns about alcohol use and abuse. The confidentially 24/7 help line number is 800-284-7575.

Summary of LIFELINE Employee Assistance Services

Call LIFELINE 1-800-284-7575 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for help handling life's stresses. State of Kansas benefits eligible employees, spouses, and their dependent children can receive the following benefits:

Short-term counseling (1-4 face-to-face sessions per issue) with an EAP counselor for a wide variety of concerns. Below are a few of the most common examples why employees use the LIFELINE program.

Day-to-day stresses
Depression and anxiety
Life transition concerns
Problems with co-workers or supervisor
Stress due to layoffs or furloughs
Loss of a loved one
Marital and family issues
Drug and alcohol problems

The following services are also available:

Elder care consultations with an elder care specialist
Child care referrals from a child care specialist
Legal consultation with an attorney
Financial consultations with a professional
Extended benefit for employees and immediate family members for 6 months after any layoff action.
Life Coaching Programs (employee only)**

Take advantage of this valuable employee benefit. For help with the day-to-day stressors of life, simply call LIFELINE at 1-800-284-7575 any time, day or night 7 days a week. That's all you need to do. Just pick up the phone. Your call with be completely confidential.

Be well,

Cheryl Miller, M.S., Exercise Physiology & Community Health
HealthQuest Wellness Program Director
Kansas Health Policy Authority
900 SW Jackson, Room 900N
Topeka, KS 66612-1251
Email: cheryl.miller@khpa.ks.gov
Phone: 785-296-4304
Web page: http://www.khpa.ks.gov/healthquest/

Sign up for the Free HealthQuest Wellness Blog:
http://www.khpa.ks.gov/healthquest/blog.htm

LIFELINE

We help with life's stresses

LIFELINE Call 1-800-284-7575

LIFELINE is a voluntary, confidential, FREE, service that provides benefits eligible employees and their dependents with counseling and referral services. It is an employee benefit sponsored by HealthQuest, the state of Kansas employee health promotion program.

Newsletter April, 2008

Alcohol and Safety - You Can Play A Significant Role

Summary of LIFELINE Employee Assistance Services

Newsletter
April, 2008