Epilepsy, Alcohol & the Pressure to Drink This Halloween

Hey guys, and welcome to the second blog!

With Halloween coming up, I wanted to talk about something that I think a lot of people with epilepsy can relate to: alcohol, going out, and the pressure to drink.

Halloween is often associated with parties, nights out and, of course, drinking. There can be so much pressure to join in, especially when it feels like everyone else is drinking. When you’re young, it can sometimes feel like drinking is just part of having a good night out.

But when you have epilepsy, things aren’t always that simple.

Alcohol can affect everyone differently, and for some people with epilepsy it can increase the risk of seizures. It can also interact with some epilepsy medications, while things like lack of sleep, dehydration, missing medication or drinking heavily can create additional risks.

If you’re changing your medication or titrating your dose up or down, I personally think it’s especially important to be cautious with alcohol and speak to your doctor or epilepsy team about what’s safest for you while your medication is being adjusted.

And I completely understand how frustrating that can be.

Sometimes I just think, “I want to be able to go out and drink like a normal 23-year-old.”

It can feel unfair having to think about medication, seizures and how your night out might affect your epilepsy when other people don’t have to think about those things.

But having epilepsy has taught me something important: not everything has to revolve around alcohol.

You can still have an amazing night out without drinking. You can dance, go to parties, go to Halloween events, see your friends and make memories without alcohol being the centre of the evening. And you should never feel like you need a drink in order to have a good time.

Dealing with the pressure to drink

If you do choose to drink, or you’re going to a social event where everyone else is drinking, here are a few things that I personally find helpful:

You don’t have to drink every round. If you are drinking, consider alternating alcoholic drinks with a soft drink or water.

Stay hydrated. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water, particularly if you’re dancing, out for a long time or drinking alcohol.

Eat beforehand. Having something to eat before drinking can help you look after yourself on a night out.

Take your medication as prescribed. Don’t skip or change your epilepsy medication because you’re going out.

Remember that sleep matters. A late night, lack of sleep and a hangover can all be important considerations when you have epilepsy.

Don’t let anyone pressure you. “I don’t drink” or “I’m not drinking tonight” is a complete answer. You don’t owe anyone an explanation.

Suggest something that doesn’t involve alcohol. Movie nights, Halloween activities, bowling, games nights or even just getting together with friends can be just as much fun.

Most importantly, know your own limits and listen to your body. There isn’t one rule that applies to everyone with epilepsy, so if you’re unsure about alcohol and your medication, speak to your doctor, pharmacist or epilepsy team.

And remember: choosing not to drink doesn’t make you boring, and you don’t have to prove anything to anyone.

Having epilepsy can mean making choices that your friends don’t have to think about, and sometimes that can be really difficult. But looking after yourself doesn’t mean you have to miss out on life. You can still have fun, make memories and have an amazing night — with or without alcohol.

With all that being said, I hope you all have an absolutely amazing Halloween! 🎃👻

Enjoy your nights out, parties and celebrations — and whatever you choose to do, look after yourselves and stay safe.

If there are any blog topics you’d like to see us talk about, let us know in the comments or reach out to us on our socials!