As outdoor activities increase with the arrival of warm weather, OSF HealthCare’s Andrew Zasada, MD, highlighted on Apr. 15 the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption and provided guidance for those who may be at risk.
This topic is important because increased social gatherings often lead to higher rates of binge drinking, which can quickly develop into more serious health problems. OSF HealthCare aims to address these issues by offering expert advice and resources to support community well-being according to its official website.
Dr. Zasada explained that binge drinking can become problematic very easily. “Very easily,” said Zasada when asked how quickly binge drinking can turn into a problem. He noted that for women, binge drinking is defined as five or more drinks in one occasion lasting three to four hours, while for men it is 15 drinks due to differences in metabolism between genders.
He outlined several health risks associated with excessive alcohol use: “It can cause brain dysfunction. It can cause liver disease and stomach ulcers,” he said. “It’s just not a good thing. It can cause a wide variety of problems.” Outward symptoms such as acne, redness on the nose and palms, and prematurely aged skin were also mentioned by Zasada. He warned that alcohol use during pregnancy could result in facial abnormalities and developmental deficits for children—”A lifetime of misery” for the child.
There are no guaranteed ways to avoid hangovers or ensure immunity from alcohol-related problems during social events; however, Dr. Zasada advised moderation: “If you’re an average size gentleman, probably a beer an hour is just about the max you can drink,” he said.
In cases where someone has consumed too much alcohol at an event, Dr. Zasada recommended calling emergency services if immediate medical attention is needed or removing the person from noise so they can rest safely without driving home intoxicated.
Long-term solutions include seeking help from primary care providers who may connect patients with organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous or specialized treatment centers. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism also offers support resources within Illinois and Michigan through dedicated phone lines operated by OSF HealthCare.
Zasada pointed out warning signs such as denial about drinking habits or hiding consumption: “If the person is trying to deny that they drink at all; if they are drinking alone when there is nobody else around; if they’re trying to hide or cover up their drinking, those are all fairly serious warning signs that this person needs help,” he said.
Quitting excessive drinking early leads to better outcomes according to Dr. Zasada: “It’s easier to mitigate any problems that have already occurred earlier rather than wait for the problem to get very, very serious… Yeah you’ll get better but you won’t go back to what you were.” Recovery benefits might include weight loss, lower blood pressure, improved heart health and clearer thinking: “You’ll think clearer. You’ll sleep better,” he added.
OSF HealthCare operates a network including 17 hospitals along with urgent-care locations and clinics across Illinois and Michigan according to its official website. The organization provides emergency care services alongside cancer treatment programs, cardiac care options neurological support primary medicine mental health services digital health solutions through OSF OnCall according to its official website. Its mission includes compassionate clinical community innovation initiatives focused on celebrating life according to its official website, serving both urban rural communities under an integrated nonprofit ministry model according to its official website.
