Enjoy your summer by drinking responsibly

During the past decade, emergency rooms have continued to see an increase in the number of intoxicated patients. Often, these patients were enjoying a night out with friends when alcohol consumption led to an injury.

In coastal Delaware, the trend is the same. However, the summer months especially bring a quick increase in the number of intoxicated patients.

Memorial Day weekend alone saw more than 15 intoxicated patients in the Beebe Emergency Department. Many had too much to drink and passed out. Their friends, concerned for their health, brought them to the emergency room. In addition to injuries from falls related to intoxication, there are also lacerations, vomiting and dehydration concerns. 

Readers may be surprised to know that many of the intoxicated patients are between the ages of 30 and 50. These are not your typical amateur drinkers or 21-year-olds.

Drinking too much alcohol can have many health risks, including:

• Injuries such as bumps, bruises, lacerations, broken bones and concussion
• Reduced judgment that can lead to bad decisions
• Poor memory, forgetfulness
• Risk for crime - being drunk can put you in dangerous situations.

Certain people should avoid alcohol completely, including those who:

• Plan to drive a vehicle or operate machinery
• Take medications that interact with alcohol
• Have a medical condition that alcohol can aggravate
• Are at risk for abusing alcohol - those with family histories of alcoholism
• Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.

Enjoy your summer and make memories that you will remember. Drink responsibly. 

Ongoing alcohol use can lead to liver disease, cancer, poor immune system function, osteoporosis, heart disease and more. Guidelines describe moderate or low-risk drinking as three drinks or fewer per day for women and no more than seven per week. For men, low-risk drinking could include four drinks or fewer per day and no more than 14 per week. Keep in mind, these are guidelines. Know yourself and what is safe for you.

Don't end up in the emergency department this summer because you didn't plan ahead. Do not drink and drive. Call a friend or call a car service, and get home safely. Most importantly, do not put others at risk by driving home with even a buzz.

Kevin Bristowe, MD, is a doctor with Sussex Emergency Associates in Beebe Healthcare's Emergency Department. He is the medical director of emergency services. For more information, go to www.beebehealthcare.org.