Health: More Sun, Less Sips

Taking a sobering look at summer drinking

Before you raise a glass this summer, you might want to rethink your next cocktail. As temperatures rise and celebrations heat up, so does alcohol consumption. Health experts warn the mix of the heat, long weekends and all-day parties can contribute to a hazy health outlook — especially for women and older adults.  

Research published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol found that the summer months are traditionally the most popular time for seasonal drinking, excluding December. From graduation parties and weddings to backyard barbecues and beach days, alcohol sets the stage for a host of summer festivities.

“Summer is bookended by some of the biggest drinking holidays — Memorial Day and Labor Day — with July 4th right in the middle,” says Dr. Paul Racicot, chief of recovery medicine and occupational health at Concord Hospital. “Unlike New Year’s or Christmas, these are often all-day, multi-day events where people drink for longer periods of time.”

Dr. Abby L’Heureux, medical director at the Center for Recovery Management in Manchester and a board-certified addiction medicine physician, agrees that more daylight, warmer weather and more social events all contribute to an increase in alcohol consumption. 

“There’s also a cultural norm here that alcohol is associated with holidays and celebrations,” she says.

While alcohol use among people under age 34 has declined significantly over the last decade, you can now find alcohol at events where you wouldn’t necessarily expect it, says Corey Gately, director of substance use services at Concord Hospital-Laconia. 

“We see it at baby showers, kids’ birthday parties — places you wouldn’t have expected years ago,” she says. “Many adults feel pressure to drink or even face awkward questions if they choose not to.”

When One Becomes Many

Enjoying a drink or two at the pool isn’t dangerous, but summer celebrations can quickly lead to binge drinking — defined as consuming four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men over a two-hour period. 

In the United States, a standard drink contains 0.6 fluid ounces or 14 grams of pure alcohol. Twelve ounces of regular beer contains about 5% alcohol by volume, whereas 5 ounces of wine can have up to 12%. In other words, a shot of whisky is going to pack more punch than a couple of wine coolers.

Women and the elderly, in particular, are more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol, Racicot says. 

“They (women) metabolize alcohol at about half the rate of men,” he says. “That means they’ll feel the effects more quickly and face greater health risks, even if they drink the same amount.”

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), adults older than 65 who drink more than seven drinks per week or more than three in a day may put themselves at risk for other health concerns. Older adults feel the effects of alcohol differently and are more likely to take medications that can interact with alcohol, making over-imbibing riskier for them. For seniors, this increases their risk of falls, fractures and head injuries.

“It’s a recipe for dehydration, dizziness and even confusion,” Racicot says.

The long-term health risks of alcohol are also sobering. Recent studies have debunked the popular belief that a glass of wine a day is good for your heart. Moderate drinking is defined as having seven drinks a week for women, and 14 drinks a week for men, and is no longer considered “healthy.”

Studies now link moderate alcohol use — particularly among women — to an increased risk of breast cancer, liver disease and other conditions. Women who had two to three alcoholic drinks per day had a 20% higher risk of breast cancer compared to non-drinkers, according to a pooled analysis of data from 53 studies. Yet, despite these studies, many people don’t recognize alcohol as a cancer-causing carcinogen. 

“Over 90% of Americans will identify tobacco and radiation as carcinogens, but less than half will identify alcohol as a carcinogen,” L’Heureux says. “Part of the issue is lack of education and the absence of warning labels or clear messaging around alcohol risks — unlike tobacco products.”

A Dangerous Mix

Drownings, boating accidents and car crashes tied to alcohol use are more prevalent during the summer months. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 31% of all U.S. drownings involve a blood alcohol concentration of at least 0.10%. The legal limit for drinking and driving in New Hampshire — on the road or on the water — is 0.8% if you’re over 21.

Consuming alcohol along with marijuana, a popular trend that’s growing among younger people, can pose a danger to drivers and others on the road. There are several THC-infused seltzers, sodas, teas and drink mixes on the market that can quickly impair drinkers who may be unaware of the amount of cannabis in their beverages. These drinks are not legal in New Hampshire, but are legally available in some border states.

Many believe THC drinks are harder to detect than alcohol. However, their effects will still impair drivers.

“Any of these substances, alcohol, THC, they are impairing to you physically, men-
tally, and emotionally,” L’Heureux says. 

“They are going to impair you and can lead to adverse consequences. So absolutely, you have to be very mindful of that, particularly if you’re mixing substances.”

Tips for Mindful Drinking

There are ways to celebrate summer safely and responsibly. If you want to be more intentional about your drinking habits this summer, experts recommend:

• Eating before and while drinking. Alcohol is absorbed more quickly on an empty stomach. If you eat, you can lessen its immediate effect.

• Alternate with soft drinks. Follow each alcoholic beverage with a glass of water or seltzer to stay hydrated and slow your spirit intake. Keep a nonalcoholic drink with you.

• Consider mocktails. The growing popularity of mocktails offer more options for those who want to enjoy yummy summer flavors without the hangover.

• Set a limit. Share your intentions with a friend or partner at the beginning of a
party or event and ask them to respect your decision and help you stay on track.

• Keep a tally of how much you’re drinking. Save bottle caps or tabs, or keep a written tally of what you’ve consumed so it’s not a guessing game.

• Understand how certain drinks affect you. Choose lower-alcohol options such
as light beer, and avoid high-proof cocktails if you expect you’ll be drinking at an event all day.

• Stop drinking a few hours before driving. You might feel mild impairment after one drink, but impairment escalates with each additional glass — especially when your judgment becomes too compromised to recognize that you shouldn’t drive. If you’re too buzzed to drive, call an Uber or ask a designated driver to take you home.

While it may seem natural to kick back with a drink on a warm day, some may find that it triggers behaviors they’re looking to change. If you’re questioning whether you may be drinking too much, L’Heureux suggests starting with the basics: Know what a standard drink is and compare it to your actual intake. 

“Really evaluate how you feel when you drink — physically and emotionally,” she says. “Have you ever tried to stop after one or two and couldn’t? Are you experiencing any side effects like headaches, sleep issues or mood changes?”

She encourages anyone who feels unsure about their drinking habits to speak with their healthcare provider. 

“Even if you’re not ready to say, ‘I can’t drink anymore,’ we can still help,” she says. “We know these risks are dose-dependent. It’s not all or nothing.”

Gately agrees.

“It’s OK to seek help even if you don’t think you have a ‘serious’ problem,’ ” she says. “You don’t have to hit rock bottom to talk to someone about cutting back. Any behavior change is hard, and it’s OK to ask for support.”