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Bernalillo County prevention official urges planning, sober rides and youth safeguards at holiday gatherings
Summary
Erica Beta of Bernalillo County—s Department of Integrative Services urged listeners to plan for safe transportation, offer nonalcoholic beverages, avoid drinking games and secure alcohol from youth; she cited keepnewmexicoalive.org and the 988 crisis line as resources.
Erica Beta, with the Department of Integrative Services— Office of Prevention for Bernalillo County, urged listeners to make safety part of holiday planning, saying guests should have a reliable way home and hosts should limit alcohol-related risks.
"Plan ahead, get a ride and only drive sober," Beta said, adding, "together we truly can keep New Mexico alive." She recommended using a designated driver or ride-share service and providing nonalcoholic beverages so parties do not have to center on alcohol.
Beta warned that some people face heightened stress, financial pressure or grief during the holidays, which can increase the likelihood of drinking. "Sometimes during the holidays that can really increase the need to consume alcohol," she said, and she urged hosts to consider that when planning gatherings.
She advised hosts to avoid games that encourage rapid or competitive drinking, to make sure alcohol is supervised so underage guests cannot access it, and to serve food to slow alcohol absorption. "Making guest safety part of that plan" was the recurring theme of her advice.
When asked about help for people who may be struggling with substance use, Beta pointed listeners to keepnewmexicoalive.org for treatment options and resource information and said the 988 crisis line is available for immediate support. "988 is always available. You can call, text or chat 24/7," she said.
The segment aired on the Bernco Beat and closed with holiday well wishes from the host and Beta.
