‘Prost’, safely! Reminder to drink responsibly this Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest festivities will be in full swing this weekend and the beer will be pouring freely – and that comes with a reminder to drink responsibly. 

Sharon Michael is a Public Health Nurse with ROW Public Health and Emergency Services.

“The effects on the body when you drink alcohol can become immediate. That's mostly in the brain and brain functions; it effects our coordination, communication, walking, and most importantly – our judgement. Further than that, it goes on to cause memory loss and blackouts with excessive-use.”

If you continue to abuse alcohol for a long period of time, it can cause things like liver disease and brain damage.

“There are also various types of cancers which are directly linked and closely associated with high alcohol-use, like throat and neck cancer. We also know some of the more immediate effects – like injury, car crashes, violence, sexual assault, and sometimes issues relating to mental health like suicide or increased depression. These are just some of the effects on the body.”

Michael says some people do not realize that alcohol can cause poisoning – and alcohol poisoning can kill.

“It can be a serious, life-threatening emergency. Very often when the body is poisoned, your body tries to spit it out – so that's why people vomit. That's a good thing, except if you're left unattended, or if someone passes out and are left on their backs as they can choke on their vomit. The whole situation can be very traumatic as well – it means a trip to the ER and having your stomach pumped. We've had recent episodes lately as young adults have been transferred to emergency departments in critical condition due to alcohol poisoning. It's not to be treated lightly in any case.”

So how do you know when someone has had way too much to drink, and is experiencing alcohol poisoning?

“The signs are not always apparent – but generally it begins with the slurring of speech, and poor coordination. They can also quickly become unconscious, or semi-conscious. They might look cold, their skin would be clammy – they might look pale or have blueish skin, as alcohol is a sedative and it can also cause irregular breathing. They may be vomiting, and unable to be awoken after that – and if someone just passes out, that's a late sign of alcohol poisoning.”

Michael says if you see someone experiencing these symptoms – call 911 immediately.

“Even though people think that seems like an extreme response, it is not. Alcohol poisoning can cause death, and we've had some critical injuries the past few weeks related to alcohol poisoning, so it is a serious concern. Being passed out is NOT sleeping, do not leave the person alone and monitor their breathing. If you can put them in the recovery position, on their sides with their head supported with an arm and their knees up – that ensures if they do vomit, it just sort of falls out. But the main things are calling 911, and calling out for help so more people are available to show emergency services where to go in.”

If you're a veteran drinker but may have just consumed a bit too much for Oktoberfest, there are some things you can do to feel a bit better.

“Stop drinking and get hydrated. Also if you know you're going to drink, prepare yourself. Be rested, eat before you drink, and set your own limits. Pace yourself – drink slowly, do not drink more than two drinks within any three hour period. If it's hot, drink a water or a soda in between alcohol beverages as well. Canada's Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines is available to help people monitor their drinks.”

The guidelines state the most alcohol women should consume is 10 drinks over the course of a week, and 15 drinks in a week for a man.

“So when you put that in perspective, and look at your drinking pattern over one night – we have to come to some agreement where you can manage less, as more alcohol will just give you a huge hangover. And repeated over a period of time, it can lead to serious, life-long conditions.”

Despite these reminders and the education available, Michael says they still deal with lots of young people that have indulged too much.

“Talking about alcohol isn't going to make people drink more alcohol, so it's good to keep that conversation going. Parents – be good role models. Show them that you can drink responsibly, and would never drink and drive. Help them to make healthy choices for themselves in the future, and continue to encourage young people to delay the start of drinking.”

To learn more about Canada's Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines, click here.