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As the coldest months of the year are quickly approaching, it is important to be aware of the physical impacts of alcohol consumption. Alcohol and cold weather, when combined, can create risky and potentially life-threatening conditions.

In this article, we explore ways alcohol interacts with the body’s mechanisms in cold weather, highlighting the importance of drinking alcohol mindfully during the winter months.

 

Sadly, it’s more common than most people may believe. A global study has revealed that in countries with cold climates, alcohol plays a significant role in injuries caused by extreme cold.

In many of these countries, alcohol is also involved in over 40% of fatal incidents related to severe cold.

 

How Does Alcohol Affect Body Temperature?

Alcohol’s effect on the body’s temperature regulation in cold weather is a complex and often misunderstood phenomenon. When alcohol is consumed, it causes peripheral vasodilation, which means the blood vessels near the skin’s surface widen.

This widening of blood vessels leads to increased blood flow to the skin, creating an initial (and false) sensation of warmth. This sensation is misleading as it results in a rapid loss of body heat to the environment, subsequently lowering the core body temperature.

The combination of alcohol and cold weather can be dangerous. When it’s cold, our bodies keep warm by reducing blood flow to our skin, hands and feet. This helps keep our vital organs warm. But alcohol does the opposite – it increases blood flow to these areas, making us lose heat faster.

Alcohol also impairs shivering, which is a natural response to cold that helps generate heat. This impairment only further increases the risk of hypothermia. When combined with alcohol’s well-known effects on cognitive functions and decision-making, the risks become even more pronounced.

 

Isn’t Alcohol Supposed to Warm You Up?

In short – no. As highlighted above, the misconception of alcohol as a warming agent in cold weather stems from its immediate warming effect on the skin.

Alcohol can trick us into thinking we’re warm and cosy, even when the truth is we’re actually getting very cold. This means someone binge drinking alcohol might not realise their body is getting dangerously cold.

 

Alcohol, Cold Weather and the Risk of Hypothermia

Hypothermia can be defined as when your body temperature drops faster than it can produce heat. Without the ability to regulate body temperature, our organs struggle to function normally. And when you do drink alcohol, although you might feel warm, your body actually loses heat faster. This is especially why acute alcohol intoxication is dangerous when it’s cold outside and your body is already trying hard to stay warm.

Usually, when it’s cold, your body tries to keep warm by reducing blood flow to your skin, arms and legs and keeping more blood around your important organs in the middle of your body. However, alcohol disrupts this process. It makes your blood vessels get bigger, so more blood goes to your skin. This might make you feel warm for a little bit, but it actually makes the average temperature of your body’s core temperature drop quickly. This can quickly lead to hypothermia.

An individual can develop hypothermia accidentally, especially if they’ve been drinking. They might not notice the early signs (e.g. shivering or feeling stiff and numb). As it gets worse, you could start to get confused, slur your words, or feel really sleepy.

Not being aware of these signs is dangerous because even if our core temperature drops to below 25°C, the body can go into cardiac arrest. In fact, hypothermia can be fatal within as little as an hour of exposure.

 

Safety Tips for Cold Weather and Alcohol Consumption

It’s really important to be careful about drinking alcohol when it’s cold. Ensuring safety while consuming alcohol requires a combination of moderation, awareness, and practical measures. So, being informed about the risks and taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the dangers associated with this combination.

See below for useful tips for alcohol, cold temperatures and keeping safe.

  • Moderate your alcohol intake. Lower levels of alcohol in the system on cold days will mean less impairment of judgment and body temperature regulation.
  • Alcohol can lead to dehydration, which is a risk factor for hypothermia. Staying hydrated and ensuring alcoholic drink has adequate nutrition can help mitigate this risk. Drinking water or non-alcoholic beverages between alcoholic drinks can be beneficial.
  • Dressing in layers, with moisture-wicking fabrics close to the skin and insulating layers on top. This will help to maintain body heat.
  • Avoid binge drinking alcohol, as this can increase the risk of hypothermia. This is because it can lead to alcohol poisoning, which reduces our body temperature and increases the chances of hypothermia.
  • Dont drink and walk home from a night out, especially on a cold day. Arrange transportation instead, such as with a sober friend or taxi.
  • If any signs of frostbite or hypothermia are noticed, it’s important to act quickly. Move to a warm area, remove any wet clothing, and gradually warm yourself up.
  • Knowing the symptoms of when your core body temperature is too low is the first step in effective response. Frostbite symptoms include numbness, tingling, or pain, whilst hypothermia symptoms start with shivering, fatigue, and confusion.
  • If you’re drinking in cold weather, it’s safer to stay in a group. Group members can look out for one another and potentially recognise signs of hypothermia or frostbite.
  • Being aware of the weather conditions is ideal for prevention. Recognising the early symptoms of cold-weather exposure and knowing when it’s time to seek shelter or warmth.
  • Avoid engaging in activities that require coordination, concentration, and physical capability when consuming alcohol, especially in cold weather. For example, skiing and alcohol can be a dangerous combination, as it impairs judgment or physical ability.
  • Remember that hypothermia and severe frostbite are medical emergencies that require professional treatment. Seek medical help immediately.
  • If you believe you might have an addiction, stay safe and take steps to seek professional support.
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John Gillen - Director & Author at Nova Recovery

John Gillen - Author - Last updated: August 12, 2024

John has travelled extensively around the world, culminating in 19 years’ experience looking at different models. He is the European pioneer of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) treatment to Europe in 2010; and recently back from the USA bringing state of the art Virtual Reality Relapse Prevention and stress reduction therapy. His passion extends to other metabolic disturbances and neurodegenerative diseases. The journey continues. In recent times, John has travelled to Russia to study and research into a new therapy photobiomudulation or systemic laser therapy working with NAD+ scientists and the very best of the medical professionals in the UK and the USA, together with Nadcell, Bionad Hospitals own select Doctors, nurses, dieticians and therapists. Johns’ passion continues to endeavour to bring to the UK and Europe new developments with NAD+ Therapy in preventive and restorative medicine and Wellness. In 2017 John Gillen was made a visiting Professor at the John Naisbitt university in Belgrade Serbia.