Holidaymakers warned on risks of over-drinking

HOLIDAYMAKERS HAVE been warned that drinking too much alcohol in foreign climes can lead to accidents and imprisonment.

As thousands of Irish sunseekers prepare to escape the summer showers, the drinks industry-funded group Mature Enjoyment of Alcohol in Society (Meas) has issued a caution about how excessive drinking could ruin their getaway.

"Don't risk spending your holiday behind bars," Fionnuala Sheehan, chief executive of Meas, said. "Foreign drink measures are often much larger than at home and drink drive limits lower."

Travellers may also face punishment when drinking in countries where alcohol is banned or restricted, the group said.

"In addition, too many drinks may result in the airline not allowing you to travel," Ms Sheehan added.

Dehydration as a result of stronger drinks and higher temperatures was one of the many health risks from excessive drinking which Meas highlighted, advising people to drink plenty of water. It also warned that mixing drink with sport can lead to injuries, and midnight swimming and drinking is never advisable. Many insurance companies will not pay up if you have an accident after drinking alcohol, it added.

Another health risk resulting from people drinking too much on holidays is sexually transmitted infections, a leading STI consultant warned yesterday.

"A significant amount of our workload is related to people with an alcohol-fuelled encounter, particularly people travelling on vacation," said Dr Derek Freedman genito-urinary physician attached to St James's Hospital.

"It is often seen as a time to massively binge drink. One only has to look at the popularity of resorts and the state of people late in the evening to see what the result is."