The holidays may be over, but there are still plenty of reasons to celebrate. On March 17, Americans will put on their favorite green attire to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day festivities. There are also other holidays on the horizon when people will enjoy a drink with friends, including Mother’s Day, Easter and Father’s Day. 

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) wants Americans to be aware of when they are consuming too much alcohol. Drinking in excess can impair the mind and body, leaving people at risk for car accidents or serious disease. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control there were 178,000 deaths in the U.S. each year during 2020–2021, which translates to 488 deaths per day.

In many cases, people don’t understand just how little alcohol is required to be deemed impaired. Even mild impairment can lead to poor decision-making and decreases in inhibitions and judgment. Mild impairment can begin with as little as one drink, which could measure up to 0.05 percent. Remember, not everyone experiences the effects of alcohol in the same way, so, these figures can vary from person to person. 

The NIAAA notes that people’s reaction times can also be slowed down and that excessive alcohol consumption can lead to depression, blackouts, memory loss and even overdose. 

The NIAAA offers several tips to help ensure that people drink responsibly, including some sobering myths and facts about alcohol consumption. 

Coffee Will Sober You Up
This is simply not true. It may help reduce drowsiness, but it does not assist with metabolizing alcohol or reducing the effects of consumption. 

You Can Drive If You Can Still Speak
A person's level of impairment is not determined by their speech or mobility. Even a small amount of alcohol can reduce reaction times, which increases your risk of accidents. 

Drinking Keeps You Warm
Drinking does not provide insulation or warmth; instead, it gives the illusion of warm body temperatures due to blood vessels widening. In reality, alcohol causes your body temperature to drop, putting you at risk for hypothermia. 

When You Stop Drinking, the Effects Stop
The effects of drinking can last beyond when you put your glass down. It can take hours for the effects of alcohol to wear off and can affect your ability to perform daily tasks long after you are finished drinking. 

Whether you are enjoying time with family and friends or relaxing at the end of the day, the NIAAA recommends having a plan in place to ensure you are safe when drinking. 

Hosts should offer a variety of alcohol alternatives such as water, juice and soda. Ensure you have a selection of foods that help slow absorption of alcohol. Food can reduce peak level of alcohol by one-third, as well as minimize stomach and gastrointestinal upset. 

Provide a safe way for your guests to get home. Offer a space for them to sleep, call a cab or arrange for designated drivers.