(Santa Ana) - A safe trip home from a holiday party begins with safe holiday party planning, according to the experts at the Orange County Health Care Agency's Alcohol and Drug Education and Prevention Team (ADEPT).

Statistics show that the percentage of alcohol-related traffic fatalities increases significantly in the days between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, meaning the highways are a more dangerous place because of impaired drivers. That's a great reason to carefully plan holiday parties that will ensure both a pleasant experience and a safe journey home for all guests.

If alcohol is to be served, also offer alternative "mocktails" or non-alcoholic beverages. "Many guests will appreciate the availability of non-alcoholic drinks, especially those who will be driving home from the party, those who are taking medications and those who may be pregnant," said County Health Officer Dr. Mark Horton. Planning safe holiday parties is easier than ever because of widely available resources including non-alcoholic recipes and suggestions for healthy, satisfying menus.

Liability issues are a major consideration. "Everyone planning a holiday party should take the safety of their guests very seriously," Dr. Horton cautioned. "Responsibility for drinking by guests may last beyond the time they are in your home. This is especially the case with underage guests and unfortunately, alcohol-related automobile accidents are the leading cause of death for 15-24 year-olds."

ADEPT provides information on alcohol-related problem prevention and provides training in areas including responsible beverage service. For more information on resources available through ADEPT, call (714) 834-4052.

• About one-third of U.S. adults abstain from drinking alcohol for a variety of reasons.
• Never serve alcohol to anyone under the age of 21.
• Do not serve alcohol to an intoxicated guest.
• If alcohol is served, appoint a bartender to monitor guests' drinking and serve measured standard drinks rather than doubles or "holiday specials." Guests can better control their drinking when they are drinking amounts with which they are familiar.
• Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the party ends.
• Nothing can "sober up" a person immediately. It takes the human body about two hours to metabolize each ounce of alcohol. Coffee or a cold shower only creates a wide-awake impaired person, rather than a sleepy one.
• Provide plenty of protein and fat-filled foods. Eating will slow the effects of alcohol. Avoid salty foods that may produce thirst.
• Choose fruit juices instead of carbonated mixers because carbonation speeds alcohol absorption.
• Be sure that drinking does not become the primary focus or activity of your party.
• Invite compatible people so that no one feels left out or lonely. Lonely people may drink to excess.
• Most important of all, do not let someone who has been drinking drive home. Allow him or her to sleep at your home or arrange a ride home with a sober driver.

Web sites with mocktail recipes:

http://www.rdthanksgiving.com/holiday_host/mocktails.html

http://www.acplace.com/drinks/cocktail.htm

http://cocktails.minigco.com/library/recipes/blmocktails.htm

http://homearts.com/mrfood/articles/88mock16.htm

http://www.icbc.com/safety/recipes.html

http://www.drivesober.com/raid/recipes/moctails.html (NO k in mocktails)

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