Since we have holidays coming up with joyous festivals like Christmas followed by New Year celebrations, many people get busy partying and drinking. It’s that fun time of year end notes and for most of us it’s a craze of drinking and having fun. Unfortunately, many people don’t know where to draw the line and they end up drinking excessively. Although many people may dismiss it as a once-a-year thing, drinking alcohol socially can quickly turn into binge drinking with long-term effects. (Also read: Do you want to lose weight before the New Year without dieting? Nutritionists share simple tips to follow ,
Binge drinking refers to drinking too much alcohol within a short period of time. This puts the body under stress and causes both short-term and long-term damage. Excessive drinking impairs cognitive function and can also lead to alcohol poisoning, which has proven fatal in many cases.
Due to excessive drinking at parties
Basically, people drink excessively at gatherings and parties to open up and socialize. This helps them reduce their hesitation. For many people, drinking alcohol during celebrations and outings, such as celebrating the New Year, is considered an intrinsic part of fun. For some people, this is their first experience of drinking alcohol with friends, which leads them to binge drink.
Expert Dr Farah Ingle, Director-Internal Medicine, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi, explains, “The presence of high levels of alcohol in the bloodstream can affect vital bodily functions like breathing, heart rate, body temperature and gag reflex This causes buildup.” -An increase in toxins in the bloodstream that presents with symptoms of vomiting, confusion, seizures and respiratory failure that can be life-threatening.”
Excessive alcohol consumption can also cause inflammation of the liver, known as alcoholic hepatitis. Severe alcoholic hepatitis can cause liver damage and even death. Since excessive drinking impairs cognitive functioning, it can lead to risky behavior that can put the consumer’s life at risk.
After effects of excessive drinking
- poor motor control
- short attention span
- dehydration
- drowsiness
- Depression
- low blood pressure
- slow breathing
- Depression
How to avoid excessive drinking
Sumaiya A, Clinical Dietitian, Fortis Hospital Kalyan recommends the following regimen:
- Set limits – Be aware of how much is harmful to your health.
- Always count and measure your alcohol intake. Be aware of standard drink sizes and the alcohol content of your drink of choice.
- Identify your ‘triggers’ – If you are in company that encourages you to drink more alcohol, avoid them.
- Don’t overstock your home bar as it may tempt you to drink too much.
- On occasions when you feel that you may drink too much alcohol, enlist the help of a trusted friend or family member to stay with you.
- eat before drinking; Having a full stomach may make you less likely to drink alcohol than drinking on an empty stomach.
During the festive season, avoid storing beer, liquor, and wine in your kitchen. This may seem convenient when you’re in company, but it also makes it easy to have access to multiple drinks when you’re alone.
Hard Liquor Alternatives:
- Mocktail – mimics alcoholic beverages in various flavors and exotic garnishes
- Virgin Bloody Mary/Pinacolada – Minus Alcohol Content
- Non-Alcoholic Cider/Wine/Beer with Botanical Blend and Herbal Elixirs
- Club Soda with Lime Juice – A Fizzy Drink
- Kombucha – a fermented and lightly sparkling tea
