Source: CNN
The holidays and New Year’s Eve are around the corner, which often brings parties, social gatherings, and a higher chance of alcohol consumption. While drinking can feel like part of the festivities, it’s worth considering how alcohol impacts your body and overall health.
We know now that alcohol has significant negative effects on the body. According to the World Health Organization, alcohol contributed to 2.6 million deaths globally in 2019. These deaths were linked to conditions like liver disease, heart disease, various cancers, and accidents caused by alcohol, including falls, traffic crashes, drownings, and even suicide.
Since the pandemic, alcohol consumption has risen, often as a coping mechanism for stress and isolation, and it hasn’t dropped back to pre-pandemic levels. This has led to increased interest in alcohol-free alternatives, such as sober bars, creative mocktails, and trends like Dry January and Sober October.
Some people turn to alcohol because it’s seen as a “social lubricant” — making them feel funnier, more confident, or more outgoing. However, research has shown that alcohol itself doesn’t create these social benefits.
Studies conducted in behavioral alcohol research labs have demonstrated that these feelings are largely psychological. The expectation of alcohol, the environment, and the people around us all play a bigger role in boosting social behavior than the drink itself.
In reality, alcohol has concrete effects on the brain and body, such as slowing reaction time, impairing motor skills, and clouding judgment. These are the direct impacts of alcohol, while the “fun” and “social” effects are more about our mindset and surroundings.
5 tips to stay safer if you drink:
Be mindful of bubbly drinks
Drinks with carbonation — like beer, champagne, or mixed drinks with soda — are absorbed more quickly into the bloodstream. This can lead to faster intoxication. Pace yourself and be aware of what you’re drinking.
Alternate with non-alcoholic drinks
To stay hydrated and slow down your alcohol intake, alternate alcoholic beverages with water or non-alcoholic options like soda or mocktails.
Eat before and while you drink
Drinking on an empty stomach increases alcohol absorption and its effects. Eating beforehand or snacking throughout the night helps slow alcohol’s impact.
Set your limits
Decide how much you’ll drink before you start, and stick to it. Pay attention to standard drink sizes — one beer, a small glass of wine, or a shot of liquor all count as a single serving.
Plan a safe way home
Never drive after drinking. Arrange a designated driver, use public transportation, or rely on a ride-sharing service to ensure you get home safely.
Whether or not you drink is a personal choice, but understanding alcohol’s effects can help you make safer, more informed decisions. Social connections, fun, and confidence don’t have to depend on what’s in your cup — they come from the people you’re with and your own mindset.
