Sun and Alcohol are a Dangerous Mixture

If you’re spending a lot of time in the sun this Songkran, please be aware of the dangers of drinking while you’re out on the beach or anywhere you’re getting heavy doses of sunshine. 

Alcohol eases inhibitions. And while this can make people more social and is generally seen as a positive, it can also cause people to lose their self-control. When you’re not self-aware enough out in the hot sun, serious problems can arise that need medical intervention if the problem is not dealt with soon enough. 

Dehydration Danger

People who drink and stay out in the sun are much more prone to getting a serious sunburn because the alcohol dulls their pain receptors. 

But one of the biggest problems from too much alcohol consumption in the sun is the danger of dehydration. Alcohol is a diuretic. It causes the body to sweat and pass urine more often. And a body that has run out of liquid is in danger of heatstroke and exhaustion. 

When we lose our inhibitions and self-awareness, we often don’t realize when we’re becoming dehydrated, particularly when we continue to drink more alcoholic drinks and add to the problem. 

Everyone should learn the warning signs of dehydration and speak up whenever you notice them in your friends and family. The most common symptoms are:

• Feeling thirsty 
• A dry mouth, eyes and lips
• Feeling tired when they shouldn’t be
• Dark yellow pee that smells strongly
• Feeling dizzy and lightheaded

If you notice any of these symptoms in your friends or family members, you should be adamant in insisting they’ve had enough fun for the day. Cut them off from any more alcohol and make them drink water until their pee has turned almost clear. They’ll probably thank you for your attention, though it may not be until the next day when they’re feeling better.