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SANTA FE – As temperatures and summer activities increase, so does the likelihood of binge drinking and the risk of alcohol-related accidents and injuries, which sometimes lead to death.
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) asks New Mexicans to take extra precautions if consuming alcohol during summer seasonal activities.
“This summer, think twice before drinking any alcohol, especially if you are outside,” says Rebecca Neudecker, the section manager for NMDOH’s Office of Alcohol Misuse Prevention. “Alcohol not only increases the risk of accidents but can also lead to dehydration and other heat related illness.”
Summer is marked by high levels of binge drinking, which is defined as consuming five or more alcoholic drinks per occasion for men and four or more per occasion for women. This increased consumption leads to higher incidences of sunburn, dehydration, heatstroke, alcohol poisoning, drowning and boat- and car-related accidents.
Of the 201 drowning deaths that occurred in New Mexico between 2019-2023, 24% were alcohol related. Most alcohol-related drownings involve adults between the ages of 25-44, and two out of three alcohol-related drowning deaths occur among men.
Some tips to enjoy a safe and healthy summer include:
- If you are drinking, have snacks and food available to slow the absorption of alcohol.
- Have water and other non-alcoholic drinks on hand to avoid binge drinking or drinking altogether and to reduce dehydration risks.
- Do not drink and drive, either in a boat or a car, to reduce the chance of getting into an accident.
- If you are swimming, remember alcohol impairs judgement, coordination, and reaction time and makes drowning and other water-related accidents more likely to occur. If you must get into deep or unfamiliar waters, wear a life jacket.
- Engage in activities that don’t involve alcohol with people who can help you be accountable to your limits surrounding alcohol whether that’s moderation or sobriety.
For more information on alcohol and available resources, including free online screening tools, please visit the Office of Alcohol Misuse Prevention website.
If you would like help addressing your drinking, your primary health provider can talk to you about treatment options, including medications for drinking less or stopping altogether. If you need help finding a provider, please call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833.796.8773).
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