How do you know when you’re drunk?

BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) — In addition to the cookouts and fireworks, alcohol is also a common part of Fourth of July celebrations.

Throwing back a few beers for the holiday is all well and good, but how do you know when you have taken your drinking too far?

Eric Withrow, Emergency Department Director for Beckley Appalachian Regional Healthcare, spoke about the first symptoms.

“If you get into drinking alcohol and you start having symptoms such as lightheadedness, dizziness, those different types of symptoms, that could be a sign that you’re drinking too much,” said Withrow. “Make sure you’re staying hydrated while you’re drinking, drinking water throughout the day will help with that process. Make sure you’re eating. Drinking on an empty stomach can definitely increase the effects of alcohol.”

Withrow said the threshold for drunkenness is different for everyone because everyone has their own tolerance levels for how much alcohol they can consume and what types of alcohol affect them more.

Slurred speech, nausea, and loss of coordination are also common signs that you have had too much to drink.

Withrow asked that if you have over-indulged in alcohol to stay home and not engage in any high-risk activities on the holiday.

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