It’s officially January, and those living in the Midwest know the brisk winter season has only just begun. For many, Jack Frost serves as a perfect reason to stay inside, but that doesn’t stop more adventurous folk from spending some time in the Great Outdoors. Activities like skiing, snowboarding, and other winter pastimes are often social situations where drinking may be involved. While you may get that warm fuzzy feeling after a couple of cold ones, alcohol mixed with cold temperatures can add up to an extremely risky situation if proper precautions are neglected.

True or False? Alcohol Raises Your Internal Body Temperature.

The answer, though shocking to some, is actually false. Alcohol causes your blood vessels to dilate, sending more blood to the outside layer of the skin. Though this can make you feel warmer in cold temperatures, you’re losing body heat at a much faster rate. Because your body is sending more heat to your skin, it is pulling heat away from your heart, brain, and other vital organs. Not only will your body temperature drop overall, but your organs will not receive enough blood to work properly.  

Additional Dangers

It is a well-known fact that alcohol impairs the ability to make decisions, and often leads to all inhibition being tossed out of the window. If you are not able to make appropriate decisions while under the influence, the alcohol and cold weather cocktail can be lethal. For example, feeling warm and taking off important layers increases the risk of hypothermia – a fatal condition if not diagnosed and treated quickly. Moreover, snowy or icy conditions can create a higher risk of injury due to falling, as alcohol can affect balance and reaction time.

Ways to Stay Safe

While having one drink in colder temperatures probably won’t result in immediate hypothermia, it is extremely important to take precautions if you decide to partake. If you must, try and keep it to one drink per hour, and avoid extremely cold drinks if possible. In addition, wear warm clothes and dress in layers to prevent the risk of hypothermia.

In reality, your best bet is to avoid drinking altogether if you suspect there may be a risk of danger. Saying “no” can be difficult, but there are tips to prevent risk in social situations:

• Assess the situation. If drinking is involved and you may be tempted to indulge in excess, make the choice to stay home. You'll feel better and have a clear mind in the morning. 
• Offer to be the designated driver. Another great way to stay safe and avoid having a drink is to name yourself as the designated driver. Your friends will appreciate not having to worry about a ride, and you can enjoy the party without feeling the peer pressure of drinking.
• BYOB. Juice, water, soda, or coffee are all great choices if you want to substitute an alcoholic beverage. Plus, others will likely be less inclined to ask you if you want a drink if you're already holding one in your hand. 
• Be confident in your choice to be sober. Confidence is key in all aspects of life, especially when it comes to saying "no" to alcohol or other substances. If people around you can't respect your decision, surround yourself with people who will. 

Stay safe, stay warm, and look out for others – there’s no better way to have a fun and healthy winter!

If you or a loved one may be at risk of substance use disorder, click here to take our online assessment. Contact CADS today to learn more about our treatment and prevention services.

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