Alcohol Increases the Risk of Cold Injury
Overview
Drinking alcohol may increase the risk of injury from cold exposure. Alcohol:
- Changes your body's ability to regulate body temperature.
- Changes your judgment. For example, a person may not put on more clothing when it is needed if his or her judgment is changed by alcohol.
- Can cause blood vessels in the skin to get bigger (dilate). This increases heat loss.
Credits
Current as of: July 10, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Current as of: July 10, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.