Summer Activities and Binge drinking
When summer arrives, and the weather begins to warm up, many people go outside with their friends and families to enjoy the season. These get-togethers where alcohol is consumed in large numbers, and people gather for long periods can lead to binge drinking.
An article in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs states that alcohol consumption during the summer is higher than during the holiday season. Summer is the most popular time to drink heavily. Understanding the dangers and side effects of binge drinking will help you enjoy a sober and safe summer.
What is Binge drinking?
Binge drinking occurs when a person consumes a large quantity of alcohol in a short time. A woman must drink four drinks or more within two hours to be considered a binge. In the US, binge drinking is common. One in six adults regularly binge drinks, and 25 per cent make it a habit. Although binge drinking is not the same as an alcohol addiction, it may be a precursor for alcohol dependence in the future.
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Drinking alcohol in the summer can be dangerous.
When combined with excessive drinking, the increased heat of summer and other activities can be deadly.
Blacking out
Alcohol-induced blackouts can result from binge drinking. These are gaps in the memory of events that took place while you were under the influence. Even though these blackouts are not fatal, they can have life-altering effects, especially if you engage in dangerous behaviour or drive under the influence. Blacking out can make it difficult to remember everyday tasks like talking, moving, or walking.
According to statistics from the US Department of Transportation (USDOT), the 4th of August is a dangerous holiday for alcohol-related crashes. 39% of fatal accidents involved alcohol. The age range for drunk drivers who died on this holiday (21-34) is the same as that of binge drinkers (ages 18-34).
Heatstroke and Dehydration
Summer is a time to enjoy the sun. Alcohol consumption and higher temperatures can lead to dehydration.
Binge drinking can make people believe they’re hydrated because they consume a large amount of fluid (often much more than usual). Alcohol consumption can give the illusion of hydration but actually dehydrates you by increasing urination. Dehydration can be dangerous in hot weather because of increased sweating.
Dehydration, in its most extreme form, can cause heatstroke. This fatal condition occurs when the body becomes unable to cool itself. Heatstroke can be difficult to detect when binge-drinking because it has many of the same symptoms, such as disorientation, dizziness, and lack of coordination.
Alcohol Poisoning
Alcohol poisoning is another deadly result of summer binge drinking. Alcohol poisoning occurs when alcohol levels in the body reach dangerous levels. This happens rapidly as the body absorbs the alcohol faster than any other nutrients. The body cannot process alcohol quickly, and the increased levels can lead to vital systems shutting down, like temperature regulation and breathing. In the US, alcohol poisoning kills, on average, 2,200 people per year (6 people every day).
Long-Term Effects
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, emphasize that binge drinking has negative long-term health effects, including:
- Liver Disease
- High blood pressure
- Heart problems
- Cancer
- Memory and learning problems
Ways To Prevent Binge Drinking
Some useful tips can help you stay healthy during summer events and avoid drinking alcohol.
- Keep hydrated in hot weather and when you are outdoors.
- Bring your favourite mocktail or any other non-alcoholic drink to the event.
- Plan on how to refuse a drink when it is offered.
- Engage in activities and discussions that do not involve alcohol.
- You can ask your family and friends for help.
