This holiday season, whether you raise a toast, or spike the punch, or have a drink to take the chill out of your bones, do so thoughtfully.

Alcohol may make the seasonal celebrations feel more festive. A drink or two may seem to comfort those whose holidays aren't particularly joyful. But increasingly, Americans are drinking more than they should, at levels that are likely to cause problems in the long run if not immediately.

If alcohol is part of your holiday plans, keep in mind the harm that over-indulgence can do to yourself or others. Be aware of friends and family who may already have difficulty keeping their drinking under control.

Alcohol use was already trending up before covid hit early in 2020. Then the isolation, disruption and uncertainties of the pandemic made things a lot worse. Drinking alcohol provided one of the few ways that people could at least temporarily get some respite from the stresses and strains.

Medical experts remind us that alcohol can be addictive, and that may be one of the reasons alcohol use and abuse did not subside even as the pandemic eased off. The increased consumption that's widespread now seems to be here to stay.

The immediate perils are obvious. Impaired driving can lead to injury, death or legal trouble.

Less obvious but equally serious are the long-term effects of regularly drinking a substantial amount of alcohol, even if the person indulging does not appear to be drunk.

The effects of alcohol on our bodies build over time. Those effects naturally worsen as we age and were one of the reasons life expectancy for men and women declined in the U.S. during the pandemic. The figures have recovered a bit now, but widespread abuse of alcohol will take its toll.

A study recently released by the National Center for Health Statistics found that the increase in heavy drinking has been highest among adults in their 40s, with those in their 50s close behind.

So enjoy the holidays, but not to the point of drinking to excess. Moderation and restraint really can make celebrations happier--not to mention healthier--for everyone.

When it comes to drinking alcohol, remember: More is not always merrier.