Don't let holiday spirits ruin your shopping experience

The holidays are a time for gathering and gift giving, but whether you’re buying gifts for yourself or family and friends, either in person or online, too many sips of your favorite holiday spirits may hinder your judgment. Baylor College of Medicine physicians share how you can shop responsibly.

For some people, in their minds, drinking alcohol while holiday shopping is associated with a festive, celebratory aspect. For others, it can be a negative one. 

“People tend to shop and drink to relieve feelings or to feel happy,” said Dr. Nidal Moukaddam, psychiatrist and professor in the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor. “During the holidays, it is magnified. Positive and negative feelings are magnified, and we seek behaviors to accompany these feelings.” 

If you prefer to shop online, Dr. Mike Ren, primary care physician and assistant professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine, says that having a glass of wine or a beer isn’t too much of a problem. It is when you continue to drink that your decision-making becomes impaired. 

“You might make more impulsive purchases or overspend, which can be really harmful,” Ren said. 

Moukaddam adds that impulsive people are typically impulsive in all ways, not just one, and there also is an age factor to consider. “Younger adults are usually more impulsive when drinking,” she said. “Older adults are more impulsive when shopping.”

Drinking can affect your reaction time, so Ren advises people to use caution while walking around a mall, store or holiday market. “If you’re walking through crowded shopping areas, you can easily fall or trip on something or someone,” he said. 

If you do plan to drink and shop during this time of year, Dr. Ren says: 

• Do so in moderation. 
• Remember that there are low-alcohol and non-alcoholic options to consume.
• Stay hydrated and eat beforehand. Don’t drink on an empty stomach.
• Have a buddy with you who can hold you accountable if your drinking gets out of hand. 
• Have a designated driver or order a rideshare service. 

If drinking alcohol has become a problem for you, look into resources, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, employee assistance programs or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-(800)-622-HELP.