the 12 pubs Crawl: fun Tradition or Health Hazard?
The “12 pubs” trend, a socially popular drinking challenge, has become a fixture in Ireland over recent years. It involves traversing 12 pubs, consuming one pint at each establishment, all within the span of a single night. While some find this a fun and festive way to spend an evening, doctors are raising concerns about its potential health risks. To ramp up the excitement, participants often add quirky rules to each pub stop, making it an unpredictable and potentially perilous night out.“If you look at it, and you’re going to start doing the silly ones towards the end, your injuries are going to stack up,” said Dr. Lisa Cunningham, a consultant in emergency medicine. Dr. cunningham notes that A&E departments are witnessing the consequences of this drinking challenge. “It can be a source of frustration for the preventability of it because, you know, the 12 pubs, it is like a tradition now that’s coming, but there’s an onus on the actual person to drink responsibly,” she told Newstalk Breakfast. The sheer volume of alcohol consumed in a short time frame poses a notable health risk. “12 pints is 24 units, that’s beyond your weekly intake over a few hours,” Dr. Cunningham explained. She emphasized the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption, stating, “So, you’re encouraging people to go out and have, you know, alcohol intoxication – but also alcohol poisoning, we do absolutely see that.” The dangers go beyond simple drunkenness.Dr. Cunningham warns that these kinds of drinking binges can lead to serious organ damage. “This is way just beyond your normal alcohol intoxication and being vrey drunk,” she said. “This is like absolutely having organ damage consequently of a huge amount of quantity of alcohol.”Minimizing the Risks
While the 12 pubs challenge may be popular, there are steps people can take to minimize the health risks: Dr.cunningham recommends staying hydrated, eating a proper meal before starting the crawl, and interspersed with some non-alcoholic drinks. “I mean a proper lasting kind of food, not like a big greasy fry to go out and do the pubs, because that’s going to help slow down the release of the alcohol there,” she explained. Careful planning and responsible drinking are key to enjoying this night out without facing serious consequences.## The 12 Pubs Crawl: Fun Tradition or Health Hazard?
**Welcome back to Archyde, everyone! Today, we’re diving into a festive tradition that’s become increasingly popular in Ireland – the 12 Pubs Crawl. To help us understand this phenomenon, we’re joined by [Alex Reed name], [Alex Reed title/expertise]. Welcome to the show, [Alex Reed name].**
**[Alex Reed name]:** Thanks for having me!
**It’s great to have you. Now, for our viewers who might not be familiar, can you explain exactly what the 12 Pubs Crawl entails?**
**[Alex Reed name]:** Sure thing. The basic idea is incredibly simple: a group of friends visits 12 different pubs in a single night, typically having one pint at each establishment.It’s frequently enough done around the holiday season, and it’s become a popular tradition, especially among younger crowds.
**That simplicity certainly seems appealing, but it also raises some concerns. the amount of alcohol consumed in such a short period of time can be quite ample. What are your thoughts on the potential health risks associated with this type of drinking?**
**[Alex Reed name]:** You’re absolutely right to raise those concerns. Consuming a large amount of alcohol in such a short period can lead to numerous health problems, ranging from mild dehydration and intoxication to more serious issues like alcohol poisoning.
It’s crucial for people participating in a 12 Pubs Crawl to be aware of their limits, pace themselves, drink plenty of water, and know when to stop. It’s not a competition, and everyone’s tolerance is different.
**Many see the 12 Pubs Crawl as a harmless bit of fun, a way to socialize and celebrate with friends. Do you think there’s a way to participate responsibly?**
**[Alex Reed name]:** I think responsible participation is definitely possible. Setting ground rules within the group, like designating a driver or agreeing on a pre-determined number of drinks per person, can help mitigate risks. Emphasizing hydration and pacing throughout the night is also crucial.Ultimately, it comes down to individual duty and making mindful choices about alcohol consumption.
**But isn’t there also the risk of this tradition glorifying excessive drinking? How can we ensure that the focus remains on enjoying the company of friends and the festive atmosphere, rather than solely on the quantity of alcohol consumed?**
**[Alex Reed name]:** That’s an critically important point. The social aspect is definitely a positive element of the 12 Pubs Crawl, but it shouldn’t be overshadowed by the pursuit of finishing all 12 pubs or drinking a certain amount. Shifting the focus towards enjoying the company of friends, exploring different pubs, and savoring the festive atmosphere can definitely help promote a more responsible and enjoyable experience.
**Thank you so much for shedding light on both the fun and potential dangers of the 12 Pubs Crawl, [Alex Reed Name]. Hopefully, this conversation encourages people to make responsible decisions and prioritize their health and well-being during this festive tradition.
**[Alex Reed Name:]** My pleasure!
**And that’s all the time we have for today.Tune in next week for another insightful conversation. Until then, take care and make responsible choices!**
**[Alex Reed name]:** Sure thing. The basic idea is incredibly simple: a group of friends gets together and aims to visit twelve different pubs, typically over the course of a single night. They have one drink, frequently enough a pint of beer, at each pub.
**[Host]:** Okay, and I understand this mostly takes place during the Christmas season?
**[Alex Reed name]:** That’s right. It’s become a popular tradition, particularly in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
**[Host]:** And ther are often rules involved, right? Like fun challenges at each pub?
**[Alex Reed name]:** Absolutely! That’s part of what makes it so unique. Each group often comes up with their own set of challenges, which can range from silly things like singing a Christmas carol to more adventurous dares.
**[Host]:** Sounds like a recipe for a fun night out! But I’ve also read some reports about concerns surrounding the health risks associated with this tradition. Can you shed some light on that?
**[Alex Reed name]:** You’re right, there are definitely some concerns. Consuming that much alcohol in a short period of time can lead to a range of negative consequences, from alcohol poisoning to injuries from falls or other accidents.
**[Host]:** Dr. Lisa Cunningham, a consultant in emergency medicine, has publicly expressed her concerns about the rise in A&E departments seeing the consequences of the 12 Pubs Crawl.
**[Alex Reed name]: ** Yes, she’s been very vocal about the potential for serious health issues, including organ damage. It’s crucial to remember that 12 pints alone is already more than the recommended weekly alcohol intake for many people.
**[Host]:** So, what can people do to enjoy this tradition responsibly?
**[Alex Reed name]:** Moderation is key.Pacing yourself, staying hydrated, and eating food before and during the crawl can all help minimize the risks. It’s also important to listen to your body and know when to stop. And, of course, always have a safe way to get home.
**[Host]:** Great advice. Well,thank you so much for joining us today and shedding light on this interesting Irish tradition.
**[Alex Reed name]:** My pleasure. Happy holidays!