SalusCare Offers Tips for a Safe New Year's Party

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Dec. 12, 2013 - PRLog -- New Year’s Eve parties and alcohol can be a deadly combination, officials with SalusCare, Inc., warned today.

“Alcohol consumption typically peaks during the holiday season. We’re cautioning everyone to exercise good judgment and to be responsible if they choose to drink.  There are many thoughtful options available to partygoers,” said Kevin B. Lewis, SalusCare chief executive officer.

December also is Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month and law enforcement will be on the alert for residents who drink and drive to better protect citizens.

More than half of all traffic fatalities involve alcohol, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Department.  Lewis said alcohol abuse is the number one substance use issue in Lee County and Florida due to its prevalence.

“Alcohol is a drug that depresses the central nervous system and causes sleepiness, lack of coordination and impairs judgment,” Lewis said.  “These effects are all harmful to our driving abilities.”

In Florida, the illegal blood-alcohol level is .08 or higher.

“A person who weighs 140 pounds will reach that limit with three drinks in an hour.  Because a person may not feel drunk, they may not realize that their reaction time and driving skills are measurably impaired,” Lewis said. “Not eating properly, interaction with prescription and over the counter medications, and fatigue can all enhance the effect of alcohol on an individual.

Lewis said those hosting parties must take responsibility for their guests.  That means having non-alcoholic beverages on hand for both designated drivers and drinkers, and plenty of food to reduce the absorption rate of alcohol into the system.

“Be sure and offer non-alcoholic alternatives to your friends who may attend a party, and remember that a good host won’t let a guest drive away under the influence.  Having more non-salty snacks can be helpful, and be aware that simply offering coffee doesn’t alter one’s state of intoxication. It may simply wake up a person who’s under the influence,” Lewis offered.

Particularly vulnerable during this time of year may be adolescents with holiday time on their hands and the elderly who often feel isolated or depressed, but alcohol is an equal opportunity issue, Lewis added.

“All of us knowing persons in these categories need to pay special attention and find healthy holiday alternatives,” he said.

About SalusCare, Inc.

SalusCare, Inc., is the largest, most comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment program in Southwest Florida, serving 17,000 people per year from seven locations in Lee County and two in Hendry County.   The non-profit company, created from SWFAS and Lee Mental Health, offers outpatient and residential treatment for adults and adolescents including medication management, psychiatric and case management services, detoxification services for adults and adolescents, crisis stabilization services for adults and adolescents, prevention programming and an Employee Assistance Program for about 60 area companies. The majority of programs are accredited by CARF, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.

SalusCare services are not free.  Fees are charged on a sliding scale, based on family income.  In many cases, private insurance is accepted.  SalusCare is a United Way agency.

For more information, call 239-332-6937 or visit www.SalusCareFlorida.org.

Tips for enjoying safe holiday parties follow.

About Alcohol Consumption:

A 12-ounce can of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, and a 1.5-ounce shot of 80 proof hard liquor all contain the same amount of alcohol.  Coffee, cold showers and exercise do not quicken sobriety.  Each one-half ounce of alcohol takes the average body about one hour to process and eliminate.  Only passage of time will free the body from the effects of alcohol.

If the choice is made to drink at a New Year’s party:

1)         Eat before drinking.  Food in the stomach will slow down the rate of alcohol absorption into the bloodstream.
2)         Remember that fatigue and medications can impact how you respond to alcohol.  Either of these can dramatically enhance the effect alcohol has on the drinker.
3)         Drink slowly, sip the drink and space drinks.
4)         Set a limit; don’t exceed it!
5)         Stop while still in control.
6)         Don’t let friends drive drunk.  If you have not drank any alcohol, drive your friend home or offer to call him or her a cab.
7)         Do not drive after drinking.  Take turns being a designated non-drinking responsible driver.

Source: SalusCare, Inc., and Americans for a Drug-Free America