Drinking on New Year’s Eve? Halifax doctor has safety tips

HALIFAX – With many people planning to indulge in alcohol for New Year’s Eve Thursday night, one Halifax doctor has a few tips on how to do so safely.

“The best advice that I could give anyone would be the same advice you’d get from your family or your friends, which is to consume in moderation,” said QE II Hospital’s Dr. Darrell Chiasson.

While potentially losing balance, getting into a fight or impaired driving are some of the obvious dangers, there are plenty more.

“Someone could be left alone after drinking too much and aspirate on their own vomit, which could be fatal,” said Chiasson.

It’s also important to understand that alcohol can take 8 to 12 hours to clear through a body. According to Chiasson, that means a nap or night’s rest may not be enough time to sober up to drive.

Chiasson, who is an emergency physician, also pointed out that becoming inebriated can be harmful not only to the person drinking but also family members and bystanders; ultimately, associated injuries add strain to the health care system.

While he strongly cautioned against consuming enough alcohol to result in a hangover, Chiasson said if people do drink too much,  “rehydrate and rest are most likely what most people will need to get over that.”