Knowing the Risks of Drinking Alcohol in the Summer Sun
Many people look forward to all summer has to offer, from backyard barbecues and beach days to pool parties and late nights by the fire. Drinking at these types of get-togethers is fairly socially accepted, and even expected in some circles.
And whether you are someone with a drinking problem, or not, the consumption of alcohol in the heat comes with additional risks.
That is why our resource addresses the question head on, and provides answers to the core question: “Is drinking in the summer more dangerous?”
Let’s be clear here. Drinking on fun, hot summer days does have its dangers. This guide from Purpose Healing will explore the risks of summertime drinking and the precautions you can take, as well as touch on our offerings to support sobriety, in the Summer and year round.
Why is Drinking During Summer More Dangerous?
We know the allure. Cold, adult alcoholic beverages can feel cool and refreshing when you’ve been in the summer sun. You might be trying to relax or have fun with family and friends.
Even though you might be having a good time, fun warm-weather activities and alcohol intake don’t always mix. It increases the risk of things like sunburn or dehydration, and accidents are more common when you’re drinking.
A False Sense of Hydration
Any cool drink is going to quench your thirst, but alcohol isn’t going to hydrate you like other beverages. Your body has to work hard to process that alcohol, using up stored water in the process.
When you combine these diuretic (a diuretic makes urination more frequent) effects with sweating, it’s easy to get dehydrated. This is made worse if you’re out in the sun or being physically active.
Risky Drinking and Summer Fun
At a lot of summer social gatherings, alcohol might be part of the fun. It’s easy to lay back a little too much and overindulge. When this happens during summer fun, things like grilling, swimming, and even backyard games get more dangerous.
Your coordination might be affected, and your judgment impaired. There’s a greater risk you’ll hurt yourself. It’s easy to misjudge swimming distances and adult drowning deaths increase in the summer. Falls and other injuries are also more common.
This is also when heat stroke occurs, according to many hospital admissions across the US. Since drinking booze and exposure to heat can be such a dangerous mix, balancing any alcohol intake with water or sports drinks (Gatorade or other electrolyte-containing beverages) can help avoid a heat stroke putting a chill on your summer fun.
Boating Accidents, ATV Accidents, and Car Accidents
When it comes to vehicles and operating them intoxicated, whether in Summer or any season, our advice is simple: do not drink and then operate a vehicle. Whether you are captaining a boat, driving an ATV, or driving back and forth from social functions, don’t do it impaired.
Drinking affects your judgment and reflexes, even if you think that you’re okay to drive.
Deciding to do it anyway puts yourself and the people around you in serious danger. According to statistics, nearly half of all boating accidents are caused by drugs or alcohol.
Heat Stroke
Drinking alcohol makes it hard for your body to regulate its temperature. Normally, you would sweat to cool down. Since alcohol dilates blood vessels and works as a diuretic, you aren’t able to cool down like you usually can. It gets easy to overheat and suffer heatstroke, especially in the sun.
Heat stroke is extra dangerous because it mimics a lot of the same things you experience when you’re drinking: rapid heartbeat, nausea, confusion, and fainting. Be careful about spending too much time in the sun when you’re drinking, and try to limit alcohol consumption.
Increased Risk of Sunburn
You’re much more likely to get burnt if you’re enjoying drinks in the sun. Alcohol makes your blood vessels wider, making your skin burn more easily.
You also might not notice how much sun exposure you’re getting. It’s easy to miss a sunscreen reapplication or spend too much time in the sun, especially with the way alcohol impairs judgment.
Summer Drinking: A Trio of Tips to Stay Healthy
Social drinking can be fun, but only when you do it in a way that keeps you (and the people around you) safe. These tips will help you stay safe if you do decide to indulge.
Stay Hydrated
Your efforts in staying hydrated play a big role in how hard alcohol is going to hit you. Drink water or something with electrolytes before you go out in the sun.
Once you are actively drinking, alternate alcoholic drinks with a glass of water. Staying hydrated is a great defense against dehydration and heat stroke.
Avoid Binge Drinking
Binge drinking is a form of alcohol abuse defined as having more than 4-5 drinks in a short period, rapidly increasing your blood alcohol concentration. When you drink too much, it increases your risk of heatstroke, dehydration, and making poor decisions.
Instead of trying to feel “buzzed”, stick to drinking for social reasons. Don’t use alcohol to quench your thirst either, as those drinks can quickly add up.
Make Safe Decisions
You don’t have to give up alcohol entirely to have a safe time, but you should make smart decisions if you decide to indulge. Without the right precautions, alcohol use and the hot, summer sun can be a dangerous weekend.
Safe drinking starts with being hydrated and eating something, before you start drinking. Food helps absorb alcohol, so it doesn’t impact you as fast and water decreases dehydration risk. Dress for the sun, in flowing, light clothing and try to take breaks to get indoors or in the shade.
Last, be sure you have a ride planned, whether you have a friend that can take you home after the fun or you use a rideshare service. Having transportation planned will stop you from making dangerous decisions or feeling pressured to drive, especially if you’ve only had a few drinks.
Get Support to Quit Drinking Any Time of Year at Purpose
As we’ve laid out in our guide, consuming alcohol in hot, sunny weather can be a dangerous combination. You don’t have to avoid alcohol altogether, but you should take certain precautions and avoid risk-taking behavior.
Pay attention to how your body feels and remember that alcohol can create a false sense of hydration, even if it seems to quench your thirst.
And if you find yourself struggling to control drinking in social settings or stick to your plan, know there is help. Purpose Healing Center helps people achieve sobriety all year round.
Call us at any time for more information on how to curb a drinking problem. All calls are confidential, so if you are struggling to stay sober, please reach out for support today.
480-579-3319