Spring is finally here and as the weather gets warmer and the snow melts, there are so many more opportunities to be outside. Spring is my favorite time of year because I love warmer weather, going for walks around the lake and grilling outside in our front yard with friends.
Another popular activity when the weather gets warmer is day drinking or “dartying.” Day drinking can seem like a fun and harmless thing to do on the weekends, but there are some things to remember and keep in mind to stay safe when you do.
Underage drinking is illegal and can lead to serious trouble. However, whether you are of the legal drinking age or not, there are some major dangers when it comes to day drinking.
1. Dehydration
One of the main dangers of day drinking is how quickly you can get dehydrated. Especially when the weather is warm and the sun is out, dehydration can occur when you have been drinking only alcoholic drinks and little to no water throughout the day.
Symptoms of dehydration can include; headache, dizziness, dark urine, increased thirst, dry mouth and drowsiness. Drinking water along with each alcoholic drink can decrease your risk of dehydration.
2. Not eating sufficient amounts
Along with drinking enough water, it’s important to be eating throughout the day. Sometimes when you are out drinking throughout the day, eating can slip the mind and your body won’t get necessary nutrients or vitamins it needs throughout the day.
Make sure to have a snack or two on hand if you know that you will be out all day or maybe even buy some food when you are feeling hungry. It is best to eat protein and healthy fats so that alcohol you drink is absorbed slower. It is also good to eat fruits and veggies because they provide antioxidants and vitamins and can be hydrating!
3. Sunburn
You might not think you need sunscreen when you leave the house in the morning to day drink or have an all-day barbecue outside with friends, but there is always a chance for sunburn when you are outside unprotected.
According to mindthesciencegap.org, alcohol can cause the body to be even more susceptible to UV rays. To avoid this, put on some sunscreen before a long day in the sun and bring along more to reapply as needed.
4. You might drink more than you expected
Day drinking occurs for many hours and before you know it, you might have had way more beers or cocktails than you expected to. This can be dangerous when you aren’t expecting it and lead to further problems such as nausea and vomiting, public intoxication charges, impaired motor skills, misjudgment, etc.
Try to limit yourself and drink some water or eat a snack in between so you don’t drink too much too fast. Also – consider alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks when you’re drinking. Make sure to pace yourself if you know that you will be drinking all day.
5. Thinking you are sober enough to drive later
Maybe you have been drinking all day and then you go home around 3 p.m. and eat a sandwich and take a nap. You wake up about two hours later and feel better and your friends want to go back to the bar. You might feel better and confident to drive, but you can’t.
Alcohol only leaves your body at a rate of about one drink per hour. A quick nap and sandwich is not going to change how dangerous it would be to get behind the wheel because the alcohol is still in your body from earlier. You might not feel as drunk as you were before, but you’re still intoxicated.
6. It can make you more prone to injury or accidents
Alcohol affects so many things in your body and it can lead to bad judgement in situations. You might be less aware of your surroundings or misjudge a situation that could lead to a fight or self-injury.
7.You could get in legal trouble.
When drinking in public whether you are of the legal drinking age or not, you can still get into trouble. If you are under 21, it is illegal for you to drink anywhere and that includes having alcohol in hand, in a purse or bag, etc.
Even if you are of the legal age, drinking can get you into trouble if you are causing a scene or have open alcohol drinks when you are not on personal property. You can also be charged with disorderly conduct if you are being violent, aggressive or too drunk to function.
Although these are just a few of the dangerous things that can happen when you day drink, there are many more. Drinking can cause many problems with your health and well-being and it is important to know the dangers and make smart decisions.
