{"id":18097,"date":"2016-12-29T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2016-12-29T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cadca1stg.wpengine.com\/2016\/12\/29\/the-dangers-of-drinking-during-the-holidays\/"},"modified":"2024-04-24T19:36:08","modified_gmt":"2024-04-24T19:36:08","slug":"the-dangers-of-drinking-during-the-holidays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cadca.org\/ru\/public-health\/the-dangers-of-drinking-during-the-holidays\/","title":{"rendered":"The Dangers of Drinking During the Holidays"},"content":{"rendered":"

Every year, tradition calls for champagne corks to be popped and wine to be passed as family and friends gather to celebrate the holidays and new year. While the celebratory toasts invoke socialization and the spirit of the season, too much consumption can lead to dangerous consequences to yourself and those around you.<\/p>\n

Holidays are a great time to let loose, but that doesn\u2019t mean lose track of what and how much you are drinking. Alcohol poisoning<\/a> leads to six deaths per day in the United States, caused by drinking large quantities of alcohol in a short period of time. Signs of alcohol poisoning include: the inability to wake up, slow breathing, vomiting, irregular breathing, seizures and\/or hypothermia. If any of these signs are presented, immediately go to the emergency room.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to note that cognitive and reactive abilities are still impaired, even when physical signs of intoxication begin to subside. Despite not having alcohol recently or drinking a cup of coffee, your driving abilities are still impaired. Further, alcohol is a depressant, causing people to become sleepy and even pass out. The feeling is magnified when driving late at night and can cause drivers to nod off while behind the wheel.<\/p>\n

Keep in mind: the legal limit is 0.08 percent blood alcohol content \u2013 but any alcohol in your system has the potential to impair your judgment, no matter how small.<\/p>\n

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (\u041d\u0418\u0410\u0410\u0410<\/a>), 40 percent of traffic fatalities during the holidays involve a driver who is impaired by alcohol, compared to the 28 percent for the rest of December. There is a 155 percent increase<\/a> in violations for driving under the influence (DUI) offenders on New Year\u2019s Eve.<\/p>\n

Long-term effects can stick around long after the hangover disappears. Overindulging in alcohol can wreak havoc on your immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses. Alcohol can decrease your inhibitions, making you more accident-prone. Consuming alcohol slows down reaction time, inhibits your sense of balance and coordination, and impairs hearing and vision.<\/p>\n

To enjoy a safe holiday celebration, consider these tips:<\/p>\n