BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- National Institute
on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health --
We all want to celebrate during the holidays, and more people are
likely to drink beyond their limits during this season than at
other times of the year. Some of them will suffer consequences that
range from fights to falls to traffic crashes. Sadly, we often put
ourselves and others at risk because we don't understand how
alcohol affects us during an evening of celebratory drinking.
Myths Persist
Despite these potential dangers, myths persist that, for some,
can prove fatal. Scientific studies supported by the National
Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism provide important
information that challenges these widespread, yet incorrect,
beliefs about how quickly alcohol affects the body and how long the
effects of drinking last.
Alcohol's Effects Begin Quickly
Holiday revelers may not recognize that critical decision-making
abilities and driving-related skills are already diminished long
before a person shows physical signs of intoxication.
Initially, alcohol acts as a stimulant, and people who drink may
feel upbeat and excited. But don't be fooled. Alcohol soon affects
inhibitions and judgment, and can lead to reckless decisions.
As we consume more alcohol, reaction time suffers and behavior
becomes poorly controlled and sometimes even aggressive—leading to
fights and other types of violence. Continued drinking causes the
slurred speech and loss of balance that we typically associate with
being drunk. At higher levels, alcohol acts as a depressant, which
causes the drinker to become sleepy and in some cases pass out. At
these levels, alcohol can also cause blackouts or periods of
amnesia where a person does not remember what happened while he or
she was intoxicated. The intoxicated person actively engages in
behaviors like walking and talking, but does not create memories
for these or other events that occur during the blackout. In the
most extreme cases, drinkers face the danger of life-threatening
alcohol poisoning due to the suppression of vital life
functions.
Even When Drinking Stops—Alcohol's Effects Do Not
During an evening of drinking, it's also easy to misjudge how
long alcohol's effects last. For example, many people believe that
they will begin to sober up—and drive safely—once they stop
drinking and have a cup of coffee. The truth is that alcohol
continues to affect the brain and body long after the last drink
has been finished. Even after someone stops drinking, alcohol in
the stomach and intestine continues to enter the bloodstream,
impairing judgment and coordination for hours.
Before You Celebrate—Plan Ahead
Of course, we don't intend to harm anyone when we celebrate
during the holiday season. Yet violence and traffic fatalities
persist and myths about drinking live on—even though scientific
studies have documented how alcohol affects the brain and body.
Because individuals are so different, it is difficult to give
specific advice about drinking. But certain facts are clear—there's
no way to speed up the brain's recovery from alcohol and no way to
make good decisions when you are drinking too much, too fast.
So this holiday season, do not underestimate the effects of
alcohol. Don't believe you can beat them, or they may beat you.
Here are some tips to keep in mind if you choose to drink:
- Pace yourself. Know what constitutes a standard drink and have
no more than one per hour.
- Have "drink spacers"—make every other drink a nonalcoholic
one.
- Make plans to get home safely. Remember that a designated
driver is someone who hasn't had any alcohol, not simply the person
in your group who drank the least.
Sobering Up––Myths and Facts
Myth: You can drive as long as you are not slurring your words
or acting erratically.
Fact: The coordination needed for driving is compromised
long before the signs of intoxication are visible. Plus, the
sedative effects of alcohol increase the risk of nodding off or
losing attention behind the wheel.
Myth: Drink coffee. Caffeine will sober you up.
Fact: Caffeine may help with drowsiness, but not with the
effects of alcohol on decision-making or coordination. The body
needs time to metabolize (break down) alcohol and then to return to
normal. There are no quick cures—only time will help.
Have a safe holiday season!
For more information on celebrating your holidays safely and
tips for cutting back, visit:
http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health
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SOURCE National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism,
National Institutes of Health