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Tradition Says, "Let’s Toast to Health!"
During the holidays, we often forget moderation, and with every "Cheers!" we drift further from healthy amounts of alcohol, turning celebrations into true drinking marathons. The aftermath includes hangovers, stomach problems, headaches, and sometimes even alcohol poisoning that lands us in the ER. To avoid this and greet the New Year with friends rather than medical staff, here’s a proven approach to alcohol consumption without consequences.
BEWARE OF ETHANOL
Abstainers are rare during the holidays, and there's a reason for that. Alcohol has been part of religious rituals and Bulgarian traditions for centuries, making it a staple on our festive tables. A single drink can lower inhibitions, ease communication, and boost confidence, making alcohol a go-to social lubricant.
In tiny amounts, alcohol doesn’t cause major problems, but that shouldn't be a reason for complacency. Our bodies do not naturally produce or require ethanol, meaning it is a foreign substance to our system. It also has low acute toxicity, so our bodies don't register its impact immediately, which is exactly what makes it dangerous. Experts call ethanol a "unique poison" because it starts working with the first sip, but its effects unfold hours later and can even be life-threatening.
The real issue is that alcohol’s effects don’t stop once you stop drinking. On the contrary, intoxication continues long after the last glass and often far exceeds the limits of socially acceptable behavior. Even modern medicine struggles to counteract the physiological effects of alcohol. Scientists have studied its toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic extensively, yet the most pressing question remains unanswered:
IS THERE A “HEALTHY” AMOUNT?
Past research suggested that 1-2 glasses of red wine daily reduced the risk of ischemic stroke, heart attack, and heart failure. However, support for the idea of "healthy" alcohol consumption has dwindled, and specialists now recommend getting beneficial grape seed compounds through supplements instead.
Ethanol is a universal depressant of the nervous system. At any concentration above 0.2 g/L in the blood, it impairs performance in psychophysiological tests. This is why alcohol is prohibited in all professions, especially those involving public safety, such as aviation and machinery operation. Driving with a blood alcohol concentration above 0.5 g/L is punishable by law, and levels above 1.2 g/L carry criminal liability.
EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT ALCOHOL AMOUNTS
Dr. Elena Kabakchieva-Georgieva, a PhD student at the Department of Neurology, Medical University – Sofia, classifies alcohol consumption as follows:
- 1-2 alcohol units (0.5-1L beer or 25-50mL hard liquor):
Increased heart rate and dilated blood vessels
A feeling of warmth and social comfort - 4-6 alcohol units (2-3L beer or 100-150mL hard liquor):
Impaired decision-making and judgment
Dizziness
Weakened coordination and slowed reactions.
- 8-9 alcohol units (4L beer or 200mL hard liquor):
Significantly slowed reactions.
Slurred speech
Blurred vision
Substantial risk of hangover - 10-12 alcohol units (5-6L beer or 250-300mL hard liquor):
Severe coordination problems
Unsteady gait and difficulty standing
Drowsiness and dizziness
Dehydration, increasing the risk of morning headaches.
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
More than twelve alcohol units (over 6L beer or 300mL hard liquor):
Increased risk of alcohol poisoning
Breathing and heart rate disturbances
Risk of unconsciousness
Additionally, consuming substantial amounts of alcohol quickly and on an empty stomach can lead to memory blackouts.
ALLOW TIME TO SOBER UP
A major issue during the holiday season is the lack of time to recover between celebrations. Over two weeks, we gather with family, welcome the new year, and celebrate several name days, leaving our bodies intoxicated for extended periods. Even healthy individuals struggle to recover from this marathon.
During this period, emergency rooms see an influx of patients with digestive issues—gastritis, pancreatitis, acute alcoholic hepatitis, and more. Meanwhile, alcohol-dependent individuals enter binge-drinking cycles that persist long after the holidays. The real danger comes when alcohol withdrawal syndrome appears—a condition in which the body requires alcohol for normal functioning, to steady shaking hands, ease anxiety, concentrate, or even fall asleep.
Experts advise counting your drinks and never allowing yourself to reach a state where you lose control. They even share their "secret" formula for responsible drinking.
A RECIPE FOR RESPONSIBLE DRINKING
This includes high-quality alcohol, proper food pairings, and adequate hydration following the 1:1 rule—one glass of wine followed by one glass of water. Of course, a great party also involves good company, laughter, and dancing between drinks. Ensure enough time to sober up before bed to avoid a headache the next morning.
We join specialists in raising a responsible “Cheers!” and wish you a joyful and safe New Year’s celebration from the entire "Health Portal" team.
