Do the holidays leave you with one bad hangover?

Nothing is more of a buzz kill than dire warnings about the very real dangers of alcohol-related car accidents, falls, and health risks, all which rapidly increase over the holidays.

The holidays are a high-risk time for substance abuse as well, and experts urge you to pay attention to problems that might be surfacing for loved ones or yourself during this time of year.

The US-based National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism offers some common sense guidelines for keep your drinking in check.

For one, set personal limits at the party: Decide how many drinks you plan to have and follow the goal. Also drink slowly to avoid becoming drunk. Drink no more than one alcoholic beverage per hour, and alternate with water, soda, or juice. Never drink on an empty stomach, and one of the most important decisions of your life could be to designate a driver for the evening.

Throwing a holiday bash? Keep your guests safe by limiting how many alcoholic beverages you serve, or stop serving them after a set time.

Be sure to serve food, especially meats and cheeses, which are high in protein and help reduce the effects of alcohol. Experts recommend serving coffee and dessert before the end of a party, giving your guests a chance to sober up before hitting the road.

If holiday drinking is a heavy temptation for you, limit the number of holiday parties you attend, the release stated. And tell your friends what your self-imposed drink limits are so they can support you.

A video on holiday drinking: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CyC7Jxo8Rg

For further reading:

http://www.helium.com/items/1240147-the-dangers-of-excessive-drinking-this-christmas

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_105954.html

http://www.niaaa.nih.gov