I know it's a bit forthcoming coming from an english person and all but I work in the Merrion centre maybe we could hook up some time for a chat.
I know what you mean about drinking and chocolates at this time of the year, what I have found where drinking is concerened is have plenty of water. for every alchoholic drink have two glasses of water. I'm pretty scared myself with so many xmas parties coming up and then of course xmas itself. Courage and a smile will get us all through the festive season.