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Why it’s best to skip questions about why someone’s not drinking this holiday season
Despite sober-curious trends hitting the mainstream, and avoiding alcohol becoming more socially acceptable, those choosing not to drink this holiday season are often still hit with a potentially triggering question: “Why aren’t you drinking?”
While some people may be OK with questions about their reasons for abstaining, experts say it’s best to simply respect people’s boundaries around alcohol.
“These questions might feel invasive and contribute to their feeling uncomfortable, abnormal or outcast,” says Vanessa Kennedy, director of psychology at Driftwood Recovery. “If they are newly sober and in a vulnerable emotional state, these questions can contribute to insecurity regarding their choices.”
Robert Vincent, a public health analyst with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, says asking friends or family members to explain their choice to turn down a drink or justify their behavior may be viewed as an imposition.
“Holidays can be stressful; honor your family and friends’ personal privacy,” he suggests.
There are also so many reasons why someone might not be drinking, says Dr. George F. Koob, director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, part of the National Institutes of Health. These may include:
- Driving later, or having an early morning the next day
- Re-evaluating their relationship with alcohol
- Taking a break from alcohol
- Being in recovery from alcohol use disorder
- Being pregnant or trying to conceive
- Taking certain medications that interact negatively with alcohol
- Having a medical condition that can be made worse by alcohol
“In any case, the specific reason is likely to be personal and sensitive, so it is important to respect the person’s boundaries and be careful about being too intrusive,” he says.
Kennedy adds that a person may also be prioritizing their health or simply want to be fully present with loved ones around the holidays.
“Whether the individual has a problematic relationship with alcohol or not, they may choose not to drink because they are re-evaluating the impact it has on their life,” Kennedy says.
How to support friends or family not drinking alcohol this holiday
If someone does say they aren’t drinking, or chooses to share why, it’s important to respect their response.
“Respond supportively in a way that indicates your approval of their personal choices,” Koob says. “Don’t respond in a way that indicates alcohol is required to celebrate or have fun.”
Another way to show support is offering a variety of alcohol-free drinks like water, juices and sparkling sodas, he suggests, or to put more emphasis on sharing food options than drinks.
“You may even ask them what they need from you to support them in this choice,” Kennedy adds.
What not to do? Pressure someone to drink, no matter their reason for abstaining.
While the intention may be to encourage them to “unwind or join in the fun,” Kennedy says, this isn’t helpful and could potentially be harmful.
For example, encouraging someone to drink may put that person at medical risk, Vincent says.
“The reality is that we do not always know nor need to know what someone’s health status is,” he says, adding if a person is in recovery for alcohol misuse, “the most important thing to do is to be fully supportive, respectful and compassionate.”
If you see someone else applying pressure, Koob suggests diffusing the situation by offering them something else or inviting them to join you elsewhere.
Vincent says you can also talk to the person doing the doing the misguided encouraging and remind them that “abstaining from alcohol is a personal choice and does not need to be defended or explained.”
If you or a loved one is experiencing a problem with alcohol, help is available via the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
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How to watch the Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears NFL game today: Livestream options, more
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The Minnesota Vikings will take on the Chicago Bears today. The Vikings are currently 8-2, an impressive run so far this season, and will be looking to add a fourth win to their current streak after last Sunday’s 23-13 win against the Tennessee Titans. The Bears, on the other hand, are entering this game on the heels of a four-game losing streak after a tough 20-19 loss against the Green Bay Packers last Sunday.
Here’s how and when you can watch the Vikings vs. Bears game today, whether or not you have cable.
How and when to watch the Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears
The Vikings vs. Bears game will be played on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. PT). The game will air on Fox and stream on Fubo and the platforms featured below.
How and when to watch the Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears game without cable
You can watch this week’s NFL game on Fox via several streaming services. All you need is an internet connection and one of the top options outlined below.
Fubo offers you an easy, user-friendly way to watch NFL games on CBS, Fox, NBC, ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network, plus NCAA football channels. The Pro tier includes 200+ channels and unlimited DVR, while the Elite with Sports Plus tier adds NFL RedZone and 4K resolution. New subscribers get a seven-day free trial and all plans allow streaming on up to 10 screens simultaneously.
You can watch today’s game with a subscription to Sling’s Orange + Blue tier, which includes ESPN, ABC, NBC, and Fox. The plan offers 46 channels with local NFL games, nationally broadcast games and 50 hours of DVR storage. For complete NFL coverage, add Paramount+ to get CBS games, or upgrade with the Sports Extra add-on for additional sports channels like Golf Channel, NBA TV and NFL RedZone.
Watching NFL games, including Fox broadcasts, is simple with Hulu + Live TV, which includes 90 channels, unlimited DVR storage, and access to NFL preseason games, live regular season games and studio shows. The service includes ESPN+ and Disney+ in the subscription.
Want to watch today’s game live on your smartphone? If so, NFL+ streaming service is the solution you’re looking for. It lets you watch NFL Network and out-of-market games on mobile devices, with an upgrade option to NFL+ Premium that includes NFL RedZone for watching up to eight games simultaneously. Note that NFL+ only works on phones and tablets, not TVs.
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How to watch the Detroit Lions vs. Indianapolis Colts NFL game today: Livestream options, more
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The Detroit Lions will face off against the Indianapolis Colts today. The Lions enter this game as top contenders with a near-perfect record of 9-1 so far this season. The Colts, who are 5-6 this season, could have a tough game on their hands against the Lions but will be looking to rack up another win after prevailing over the New York Jets in a tight game last Sunday.
Here’s how and when you can watch the Colts vs. Lions game today, whether or not you have cable.
Here’s how and when to watch the Detroit Lions vs. Indianapolis Colts
The Lions vs. Colts game will be played on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. PT). The game will air on Fox and stream on Fubo and the platforms featured below.
How and when to watch the Detroit Lions vs. Indianapolis Colts game without cable
You can watch this week’s NFL game on Fox via several streaming services. All you need is an internet connection and one of the top options outlined below.
Experience NFL action like never before with Fubo’s comprehensive sports streaming platform. From Sunday showdowns to primetime matchups, catch every NFL game across major networks including CBS, Fox, NBC, ABC, ESPN and NFL Network. Choose the Pro package to unlock 200+ channels and limitless DVR storage, or elevate your game-day experience with the Elite with Sports Plus package, featuring NFL RedZone’s commercial-free scoring highlights and stunning 4K quality.
Test drive the service with a no-commitment seven-day free trial, and share the excitement with family and friends — Fubo supports simultaneous streaming on up to 10 devices, so everyone can watch their favorite teams.
You can watch today’s game with a subscription to Sling’s Orange + Blue tier, which includes ESPN, ABC, NBC, and Fox. The plan offers 46 channels with local NFL games, nationally broadcast games, and 50 hours of DVR storage. For complete NFL coverage, add Paramount+ to get CBS games, or upgrade with the Sports Extra add-on for additional sports channels like Golf Channel, NBA TV and NFL RedZone.
Watching NFL games, including Fox broadcasts, is simple with Hulu + Live TV, which includes 90 channels, unlimited DVR storage, and access to NFL preseason games, live regular season games and studio shows. The service includes ESPN+ and Disney+ in the subscription.
Want to watch today’s game live on your smartphone? If so, NFL+ streaming service is the solution you’re looking for. It lets you watch NFL Network and out-of-market games on mobile devices, with an upgrade option to NFL+ Premium that includes NFL RedZone for watching up to eight games simultaneously. Note that NFL+ only works on phones and tablets, not TVs.
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