Celebrate Responsibly: Alcohol Poisoning Prevention Tips for Fourth of July Festivities
7/2/2024
Monica Mynsberge, Substance Use Intervention Coordinator, Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Excessive drinking,
including binge drinking, is a significant preventable cause of death in the
United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) Alcohol-Related Disease Impact (ARDI) application, excessive alcohol use
is responsible for over 178,000 deaths annually, ranking it among the top
preventable causes of death, alongside tobacco use, poor diet, physical
inactivity, and illegal drugs.
As the Fourth of
July approaches, it's important to prioritize alcohol safety during
celebrations.
"Alcohol
poisoning is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition. It occurs
when someone drinks too much alcohol, leading to toxic levels in the
bloodstream that impair vital functions like breathing, heart rate, and
consciousness," says Monica Mynsberge, Substance Use Intervention
Coordinator with Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Symptoms of alcohol
poisoning include mental confusion, difficulty remaining conscious, vomiting,
seizures, trouble breathing, slow heart rate, clammy skin, dulled responses,
and extremely low body temperature.
To help make alcohol
consumption safer during Fourth of July festivities, Aspirus Health offers
these tips:
- Moderation is Key:
Excessive alcohol consumption can impair judgment and increase the risk of
accidents. Setting a personal limit and pacing your drinking can help.
- For
women, consuming three or more drinks within a two- to three-hour span is
considered binge drinking.
- For
men, consuming four or more drinks within a sitting is considered binge
drinking.
- Stay Hydrated and
Eat Nutritious Food: Alcohol can dehydrate the body. Drinking plenty of water
and eating nutritious food alongside alcoholic beverages is essential. This
approach helps prevent dehydration and reduces potential health risks.
- Be a Responsible
Host: If hosting a Fourth of July gathering, ensure the well-being of your
guests by offering a variety of drink options, including non-alcoholic
beverages, and encouraging moderation. Underage drinking should never be
permitted. Mynsberge suggests, "Be vigilant and intervene if someone
appears overly intoxicated, offering them alternatives like water or
non-alcoholic drinks, food, and a safe place to rest."
- Plan Transportation
in Advance: Before the festivities begin, make transportation arrangements to
avoid drunk driving. Encourage designated drivers within your group or arrange
alternative transportation options like rideshares or taxis. Reminding everyone
about responsible decision-making is crucial to ensure everyone's safety.
- Firework Safety:
Fireworks and alcohol should never mix. If planning to handle fireworks during
the celebration, remaining sober and clear-headed is vital. Alcohol impairs
coordination and judgment, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
If you see someone
showing signs of alcohol poisoning, Mynsberge stresses the importance of
immediate action.
"If you observe
a person showing signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning, don't hesitate to
call 911. Speak to the dispatcher and provide them with a description of what
you've observed. Based on your description, they will send assistance. It's better
to be safe than sorry when it comes to something as severe and deadly as
alcohol poisoning," says Mynsberge.
Let's raise our
glasses to a fun filled and responsible Fourth of July. Remember, celebrating
responsibly doesn't mean you can't have a great time. Enjoy the festivities but
prioritize safety and look out for yourself and your loved ones.
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