People unaware of harm caused by binge drinking over Christmas, medics says

Eva Osborne

Health experts are urging people to drink responsibly this Christmas, as medics have said people are often unaware how much harm is caused by binge drinking over the holiday.

Hospital emergency departments said the misuse of alcohol places further pressure on A&Es around the country at this time of year.

Principal clinical psychologist, Dr Anne Kehoe, has advised people to make commitments to themselves over the festive period.

"Christmas brings up a lot of stuff for families. If you like, there are lots of ghosts of Christmas past for many people," she said.

"So think about yourself, and you have time to think about your decision-making in there.

"If you don't want to have a big row at Christmas and alcohol exacerbates that, make your decision now.

"Clock it in your phone or somewhere for yourself - a commitment to avoiding the drama or avoiding maybe what doesn't work for you and actually getting through the season as well as you possibly can."