It’s summer time and that means parrilladas and parandas to keep your emotions up and keeping the heat going well into the night. Frequently in the Latino community, this also means that there will be a few cervezas, margaritas or a selection of alcoholic beverages at the parties and barbecues.
However, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has found that Latinos are less likely to drink compared to non-Latino whites although if Latinos choose to drink, they usually drink in higher volumes.
According to the NIAAA, acculturation has a lot to do with drinking, especially among women. Traditionally, women do not drink as do men, but once they spend time in the United States and adapt to the culture, they begin drinking more.
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Keep in mind that heavy drinking does affect the central nervous system, including brain chemicals which lead to the not-so-sexy after affects: headaches, dizziness, nausea. These side affects of drinking send you to the bathroom to purge the poison, leaving you dehydrated which will lead to a morning of headaches, fatigue, cotton mouth, queasiness, and a weak immune system.
For those Latinos who do drink, there are a few key points to know when consuming alcohol; the myths and the truths behind them.
Women Feel The Affects Of Alcohol Faster
Because men have more water in their bodies, it helps to dilute the alcohol faster than in a woman’s body. The more women drink, the more alcohol builds up in the blood stream.