Alcohol: When is it too much?

Contributed by MnFIRE Mental Health Director Melinda Coscarelli, PhD, LPCC, LADC

Summer is a popular time for outdoor gatherings and celebrations with friends and family. So many of these social events, parties and get-togethers will have alcoholic beverages at the ready. Let’s face it: we live in a culture that likes to drink! But how do we know where or when to draw the line? What is considered to be within healthy limits of alcohol consumption and what is abusive or unhealthy drinking behavior?

What is a healthy limit?

The key to enjoying alcoholic beverages within a healthy limit is moderation. Research shows that men who drink eight or more alcoholic beverages weekly could experience internal medical issues such as elevated liver levels, kidney damage, inflammation of the pancreas and several stomach problems, among other ailments. Women typically have slower metabolisms than men so they don’t require as much alcohol to have the same harmful health effects. For women, weekly consumption of six to eight alcoholic beverages can elicit the same medical concerns.

Use within the fire service

A recent study measuring firefighting drinking habits showed over 50% of firefighters abusing alcohol. Firefighters reported using alcohol as a means of taking the edge off, escaping, coping and self-medicating. Some reported being physically dependent and unable to stop.

Do I abuse alcohol?

As an addiction specialist who has worked with firefighters for several years, I have seen several times how alcohol has ruined firefighters’ lives, careers and families all in an instant. Here are a couple of quick questions you can ask yourself to see if you might have an issue:

  • Have you felt the need to cut down on your drinking?
  • Do you feel annoyed by people complaining about your drinking?
  • Do you ever feel guilty about your drinking?
  • Do you ever drink an eye-opener in the morning to relieve the shakes?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions or know someone who needs help with alcohol or substance abuse, please call our 24-hour helpline at 888-784-6634. Free counseling visits, peer support and other resources are available through the MnFIRE Assistance Program. This confidential, free service is available for all active volunteer, paid-on-call, part-time and full-time Minnesota firefighters and their families, and for all levels of support.

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MnFIRE stands with our fellow first responders who responded to and are supporting the heartbreaking tragedy at Annunciation Catholic Church and its surrounding community. Every day, these individuals report to duty with courage and compassion. Regardless of the discipline, these professionals answer the call. And while we are trained for these types of incidents, you are never really prepared for the tragedy.

For firefighters needing help, MnFIRE is here for you. We have therapists who understand the fire service, and peer supporters who know all too well the stresses of the job.
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Miles for MnFIRE is just around the corner! Two firefighters, Kyle Bode and Doug Foote, will travel on foot from Duluth to St. Paul from September 13-21, walking about 20 miles per day to show support for MnFIRE’s mission.

By sponsoring or donating to Miles for MnFIRE, youre not only supporting the 150-mile trek, but also helping raise awareness and funds for firefighter health across the state. Check out how you can get involved here: https://mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/

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Miles for MnFIRE 2025 is just under one month away! During the multi-day, 150-mile walk, two firefighters will be joined by other firefighters, their families and community members to show support for MnFIRE’s important mission.

Want to be a part of the journey? Become a sponsor or donor! See how you can support firefighter health and wellness here: https://mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/
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