To those who pledge to stop drinking on January 1, why not start a couple of days early?

If you're planning a New Year's Eve blast as your final drinking event, will you really miss out on anything important if you shelve that plan and stop the alcohol on Dec 29 or Dec 30 instead? This lets you avoid alcohol-related embarrassing moments on Dec 31, a hangover on Jan 1, and risks to personal safety that are always present with alcohol.

You don't have to cancel your plans for New Year's Eve, but just do it sober. I realize the majority won't heed this advice, but if just one person follows through, this post will be a success. Happy sober New Year!