St. Patty’s Day: Tips to Keep You From Seeing Green

St. Patrick’s Day is one of the largest holidays that is shared globally across many countries. The Irish drinking stereotype surrounding this holiday is a stigmatizing and discriminating one at its best and a dangerous one at its worst. Drinking and alcohol use is a big part of many different nationalities, cultures, and ethnicities. So then, how did it come to be synonymous with this Irish holiday honouring St. Patrick? This holiday falls during Lent, a religious observation most closely associated with Catholicism (but also observed by other Christian faiths). The Church allowed this holiday to be celebrated with the restrictions on excessive food, drink, and other ‘luxuries’ lifted for this day.

Binge drinking (having many drinks during one session- 5 or more for males and 4 or more for females) can be dangerous and lead to many issues, like dependence, overdose (alcohol poisoning), or even death in severe cases. Persons aged 18-34 are the category most likely to drink heavily.

Planning ahead and following Canada’s Low-risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines are just a few ways to reduce harms and be safer during this holiday. Plan ahead for a safe ride home before consuming alcohol. Be around people you know and trust. Try not to drink alone but if you do, make sure to tell people what your plans are where you will be. The Low-risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines are research-based and are aimed at reducing both short and long-term harms related to the way the body processes alcohol. Set limits for yourself and stick to them, drink slowly, eat before and during drinking. Also, do not consume multiple types of substances while drinking alcohol. The inebriating effects of alcohol can mask effects from other substances and lead to overconsumption. It can be especially dangerous when consumed with opioids or other depressants.

During this physically distancing holiday, it is important to still follow the guidelines as best you can, to protect yourself and others. For alcohol, this means not sharing drinks or related paraphernalia and to avoid any unnecessary contact with others.

Try to be mindful of how often or how much you are drinking. If you see a pattern of change in your use, are questioning or becoming concerned about your use, know you are not alone and that there are many resources to support you. One good way to check-in is by using a quick self-assessment tool like Wellness Together Canada or TAO.

If you need help, know that you are not alone and that there are many resources available to you. The Office of Student Affairs’ Safer Substance Use webpage has a lot of information on Carleton specific and public resources for persons who use substances, persons questioning their substance use, and persons with substance use disorder. On the webpage, you can also find links to our (currently virtual) ‘All People All Pathways’ peer support meetings that have been made available through our continued partnership with the Community Addictions Peer Support Association. There are 2 weekly meetings available to both students and staff, respectively.

If you need further assistance or more information about harm reduction, contact The Office of Student Affairs’ Harm Reduction and Conduct Manager, Dillon Brady.

As the number of COVID-19 cases in the province are on the rise, you are reminded if you plan on celebrating outside of your immediate household, be mindful of who you may be visiting. Protect each other by communicating about the contacts you had, avoid sharing food or drinks and wear a mask when physical distancing is not possible, including when outside.

One way to protect yourself, your immediate household and others in the Ottawa community is by downloading the COVID alert app before you go. This will help alert you to a potential exposure to COVID-19 before any symptoms appear.

Additionally, please remember to be COVIDWise:

• W – Wear a mask or face covering where required or when you cannot maintain a physical distance of two-metres (six feet), including when you are outside.
• I – Isolate yourself from others if you are sick and follow the advice from Ottawa Public Health regarding testing.
• S – Stay two-metres (six feet) apart from those outside your immediate household. This also includes when you are visiting with friends and family from back home.
• E – Exercise proper hand hygiene by washing your hands regularly or using hand sanitizer especially before touching your face.

Tuesday, March 16, 2021 in Campus Life, News, online, Wellness
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