Happy Cinco de Mayo from Dominion Care Outpatient Services!  For many Americans, Cinco de Mayo means tequila, margaritas, and extra salsa (not necessarily in that order!).  But did you know that Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Mexican Army’s triumph over the French Empire?  As you consider how you will commemorate this victory, we hope that you will keep in mind the following –

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines excessive alcohol use as both heavy and binge drinking.  Binge drinking for women equals the consumption of 4 drinks or more on one occasion, and 5 or more for men; whereas heavy drinking for women is defined by the consumption of 8 drinks or more within one week, and 15 or more for men.  Did you know that women oxidize alcohol at a slower pace than men, regardless of size?

But what is a “drink”?  The CDC reports the following formula: 12 oz beer = 10 oz craft beer = 8 oz malt liquor = 5 oz wine = 1.5 oz “hard liquor”.

88,000 people die each year in alcohol related deaths.  Furthermore, in the US, approximately 30 people die every day from a car accident involving alcohol.  The majority of drivers who are convicted of operating a vehicle under the influence have an alcohol use disorder (CDC.gov).

It doesn’t stop there.  Misuse of alcohol can also lead to risky sexual behavior, unwanted pregnancies, violence (including suicide, homicide, and sexual assault), vomiting, blackouts, cognitive impairments, and social problems.

“So why are you telling me this, Dominion???”  We want you to be safe!  Here are some tips to party like responsible rock stars!

• Plan ahead – Know where you’re going, who you’re going with, and decide now how much you plan to drink.
• Do not pace your drinking with others – remember, women do not oxidize alcohol at the same pace as men. Drinking games might be cute, but throwing up and blacking out isn’t.
• Eat before drinking and drink a non-alcoholic beverage between alcoholic drinks – it takes about an hour for your body to metabolize 1 oz of alcohol (CDC.gov), so take it easy!
• Be aware of your surroundings – knowing that alcohol impairs senses and the ability to process information, make sure that you take the time to familiarize yourself with your environment prior to drinking.
• Never leave your drink unattended or accept a drink from someone you do not know
• NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE

“When is my drinking a problem?  When should I seek help?”  Don’t be afraid to ask for help!  Services exist specifically to support people who have experienced problems from excessive alcohol use or use of other drugs, even if they don’t have an addiction.  These range from community support groups, such as SMART Recovery, outpatient therapy, intensive outpatient treatment, detox, and residential.

Dominion Care Outpatient Services is here to help you determine and provide the support you might need.  Please call us at 804-272-2000 and be safe this Cinco de Mayo!