As people get ready to celebrate St Patrick’s Day, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging anyone choosing to drink to be careful and keep an eye on their alcohol intake by making a plan, setting a limit and sticking to it.

Kevin Bailey, Joint Regional Lead for Drugs and Alcohol at the PHA, said: “Many people will be making plans to meet up with their friends and family to celebrate St Patrick’s Day and we are encouraging them to keep an eye on their alcohol intake should they choose to drink.

“By setting a plan, you can avoid binge drinking which has been shown to have adverse effects on our health and safety. It can cause damage to the liver, heart, brain and stomach and over-indulging in alcohol can also affect relationships and spoil the holiday for you, your family and friends.

“Remember, you don’t need alcohol to have a good time, but if you do decide to drink, know your limits and support your friends and family to know their limits too.

“It can be difficult when you feel under pressure in a group to have ‘just one more’ but keep an eye on what you’re drinking, let others know that you’re sticking to it and that can help.”

If you do decide to drink alcohol over the over the St Patrick’s Day holiday, try to follow these simple tips to stay safe:

• Set a drink limit: set a reasonable alcohol limit for the day – taking note of the guidelines www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/alcohol-units
• Eat before you drink: eat a substantial meal before having a drink to slow alcohol absorption (remember eating is not cheating!) https://pha.site/meal-planning-tips
• Stay hydrated: prioritise water intake for overall health during celebrations  
• Raise a glass, not a gallon: indulge in St Patrick’s Day drinks moderately
• Mingle and move: dancing and chatting may slow down your alcohol intake and improve your heart health
• Get home safe: arrange transport before you go out, for a safe journey home
• If a friend does drink too much, don't leave them alone or let them wander off, encourage them to re-hydrate with non-alcoholic drinks, stick together and plan how to get home in advance.

If you think you might have a problem with alcohol and/ or drugs and would like to get help please visit www.drugsandalcoholni.info for information on support services near you.

There is also a range of services available to you if you are affected by someone else’s drinking and/or drug misuse, information on these services are also available on this website. These services are available to you regardless of whether or not your loved one is receiving help for his or her alcohol and/or drug problem.