[The holidays and New Year’s Eve are approaching, bringing with them the temptation of alcohol-infused festivities. However, the effects of alcohol on the human body are not good, to say the least. In 2019, the World Health Organization reported that 2.6 million deaths worldwide were attributable to alcohol consumption.
Many people have become “sober curious,” opting for sober bars, crafted mocktails, and months dedicated to sobriety, such as Dry January and Sober October. Whether to drink or not is an individual decision, influenced by personal history, family history, tolerance for physical consequences, long-term health concerns, and personal preferences.
Dr. Jason Kilmer, a professor in psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington School of Medicine, recently discussed the concept of social lubricant with CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta on his podcast Chasing Life. Kilmer cited an innovative experiment conducted at the University of Washington’s Behavioral Alcohol Research, or BAR, Laboratory, which showed that drinking does not actually boost social interactions.
In the study, participants were divided into four groups: those who were told they were getting drinks with alcohol and did, those who were told they were getting alcohol-free drinks and did, those who were told they were getting drinks with alcohol but were given alcohol-free drinks, and those who were told they were getting alcohol-free drinks but were given drinks with alcohol. The results showed that the group dynamic was active in the first group, subdued in the second group, and surprisingly social in the third group.
Kilmer noted that the physical effects of alcohol, such as reaction time impact, motor coordination impact, and impact on judgment, are legitimate pharmacological effects. However, social or interpersonal benefits are due to mindset, expectations, beliefs, and surroundings, rather than the contents of the cup.
If you do choose to drink, Kilmer suggests the following tips to reduce alcohol’s harms:
* Drink less or not at all
* Alternate each alcoholic drink with a glass of water
* Eat before or while drinking
* Keep track of the number of standard drinks you consume
* Be aware of the role of effervescence and carbonation
* Know what’s in your glass
* Take steps to have a safe transportation plan in place if you intend to drink
* Be aware of mixing alcohol with other substances
By following these tips, you can reduce the risks and harms associated with alcohol consumption and stay safe this holiday season.
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