The holiday season is often associated with gift-giving and festive gatherings, but the consumption of alcohol during shopping can impact decision-making. Baylor College of Medicine experts provide insights on how to shop responsibly during this period.
Dr. Nidal Moukaddam, a psychiatrist and professor at Baylor, notes that drinking while shopping is perceived differently by individuals. "People tend to shop and drink to relieve feelings or to feel happy," she explains. "During the holidays, it is magnified."
For those who prefer online shopping, Dr. Mike Ren, a primary care physician at Baylor, mentions that moderate drinking may not pose significant issues initially. However, continued consumption could impair judgment. "You might make more impulsive purchases or overspend," he warns.
Moukaddam highlights that impulsivity varies with age: "Younger adults are usually more impulsive when drinking," while older adults show increased impulsiveness in shopping contexts.
Ren advises caution for those walking in crowded areas after consuming alcohol due to potential accidents. "If you’re walking through crowded shopping areas, you can easily fall or trip on something or someone," he says.
For individuals who plan to drink and shop this holiday season or struggle with alcohol-related issues, resources such as Alcoholics Anonymous and SAMHSA’s National Helpline are available for support.
