After a wet and gloomy spring, the UK is finally enjoying some sun, with certain areas experiencing temperatures as high as 25c later this week and what better excuse than to have a drink?
While nothing is wrong with enjoying a refreshing drink or two, a recent survey has revealed that more than half of Brits (53%) consume more alcohol when the weather is warm.
But as the UK faces more scorching temperatures over the next few weeks, addiction experts at Private Rehab Clinic Delamere have warned of the dangers of drinking in the sun that many people may not be aware of.
The addiction specialists at Private Rehab Clinic Delamere explain: “As the UK is facing yet another wave of hot weather, individuals must be extra vigilant when consuming alcoholic beverages. It’s important to drink responsibly by sticking to the recommended alcohol consumption levels of 14 units a week, as fun in the sun can turn hazardous when alcohol is involved.”
Dehydration
One of the biggest risks of drinking outside during summer is dehydration. One of the many side effects of alcohol is dehydration. Alcohol removes fluids from your blood through the renal system, which includes the kidneys, ureters and bladder, much more quickly than other liquids.
However, dehydration becomes an even bigger problem in the sun.
When the weather is hot outside, our body attempts to cool down by sweating, losing more fluid. If this fluid isn’t replaced, it can lead to dangerous levels of dehydration. Signs of dehydration include dizziness, fatigue, thirst, dry mouth, lips, and eyes.
If you start to display signs of dehydration, it’s important to replenish the fluid levels in your body by drinking water or sports drinks. If your symptoms do not improve, seeking medical treatment is important as it can become a serious problem.
Sunburn
Another common issue with mixing alcohol and hot weather is sunburn. Studies have proven that an individual’s skin becomes more vulnerable and sensitive to the sun after consuming alcohol.
The research shows that the amount of UV it took to burn the individual’s skin was much less than without alcohol.
Additionally, when someone overindulges in alcohol, their decision-making ability reduces significantly. This means they are more likely to forget to reapply sunscreen, increasing the chances of burning their skin and causing sun damage.
Heatstroke
Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness and is caused by the body overheating, typically due to exposure to high temperatures. Heat stroke occurs when the body cannot regulate its temperature, causing an increased heart rate, rapid breathing, nausea, high body temperature, headaches and altered mental behaviour.
Alcohol can increase the chances of heatstroke, and this is because when the body starts to overheat, it cools itself down by sweating. Alcohol can reduce the amount of sweat we produce, thus making it harder for the body to cool down; this can cause your body temperature to rise to extremely dangerous levels, causing heat stroke.
If you think someone is experiencing heat stroke, seeking medical attention is crucial.
Drowning
Whether it’s a trip to the beach, your local lake, or just taking a dip in your inflatable outdoor pool, when the weather is hot, it’s important to be extra cautious around water, especially when alcohol is involved.
Alcohol weakens the nerves that control involuntary actions, like breathing and the gag reflex. This makes swimming and being around water extremely dangerous, increasing the risk of drowning if you struggle in the water.
Drinking alcohol also makes decision-making harder for individuals, increasing the risk of accidents in the water.
