Pacing the holiday spirits when in the holiday spirit

The holidays we often celebrate with cocktails, but how much more are we actually drinking? And how do you enjoy responsibly? Follow the 1, 2, 3 Rule. 

A new study finds we are doing double duty with the holiday spirits.

A survey by hangover supplement company Morning Recovery asked 2,000 Americans how much they drink between Thanksgiving and New Year. Here's the answer: about eight drinks a week during the holidays compared to about four drinks a week the rest of the year.

Chris Nixon is an addiction specialist with Henry Ford Maplegrove Center. He says we all need to pace ourselves.

"The "0, 1, 2, 3 Rule" as we call it - drinking no more than one beer per hour, 12 oz. beer. 4 oz. of wine within one hour, or 1.5 oz of liquor. So, if you pace yourself in that way, up to three, over a three hour period, you're going to be just fine," he says.

If you have someone in your life who is dealing with an addiction to alcohol and trying to not drink at all. For them this can be a very challenging time of the year. 

"The important things to keep in mind to stay sober during the holidays is being mindful and aware of your surroundings and where you are, and having a good solid plan," Nixon says. 

Part of that plan includes being selective about the events you attend; you don't have to go to everything. Also select a non-alcoholic beverage and have it in your hand. You can also ask a sober friend or family member to come with you.