Carnival and Alcohol: Behind the Celebration, a Cost to Health and Safety

By Wilson Catapani 

Carnival, Brazil’s most vibrant and eagerly awaited celebration, is a time of pure joy, release, and cultural expression for millions of people. However, amid this excitement, there is a frequent companion that, when consumed without moderation, can transform the festivities into a scenario of serious health and safety problems: alcohol.

Our purpose here is to reflect on the hidden price excessive alcohol consumption demands from us — a cost that extends far beyond a simple hangover and deeply impacts both individuals and society.

False Freedom, Real Consequences

The atmosphere of “freedom” and “relaxation” during Carnival is often misunderstood as permission to drink without limits. What begins as a celebration can quickly evolve into a troubling situation, overloading hospitals and police stations alike.

Alcohol, a psychoactive substance, acts directly on the central nervous system, impairing vital brain functions. It affects the prefrontal cortex, responsible for reasoning and judgment, and the cerebellum, which controls motor coordination. As a result, logical thinking, movement coordination, and reaction speed become compromised. Under the influence of alcohol, we — and consequently those around us — become far more vulnerable to accidents, risky situations, and impulsive decisions.

The drinking pattern known as binge drinking (heavy alcohol consumption within a short period) is particularly common and dangerous during this season.

On the Roads: A High and Predictable Risk

It is alarming to observe the traffic accident statistics reported by Brazil’s National Traffic Department (DENATRAN) and law enforcement agencies during Carnival. In major urban centers such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, the number of accidents involving serious injuries and deaths may increase by approximately 20% to 40%.

Drinking and driving emerges as the leading cause in more than 60% of these incidents. Alcohol impairs peripheral vision, reduces the ability to judge distances and speeds, and creates a false sense of confidence, turning drivers into immediate dangers on the road.

The strict enforcement campaigns under Brazil’s Lei Seca (“Dry Law”), which result in thousands of drivers being fined, losing their licenses, or even facing criminal charges, are undeniable evidence of the seriousness and persistence of this entirely preventable problem.

In Society: Violence, Vulnerability, and Broken Bonds

The euphoria induced by alcohol — often deceptive — can easily turn into aggression. Reduced inhibition and diminished impulse control significantly increase the risk of fights, robberies, and, most seriously, cases of sexual and domestic violence.

Epidemiological studies indicate that alcohol is involved in approximately one-third of interpersonal violence cases and plays a crucial role in many incidents of violence against women, where the ability to provide consent is frequently compromised by intoxication, whether on the part of the victim, the aggressor, or both.

In addition, intoxication makes people easier targets for crimes such as theft, robbery, and scams, as criminals take advantage of impaired perception and reaction abilities. This escalation of violence not only causes profound personal harm but also overloads public security and justice systems.

In the Body: More Than a Hangover — A Multisystem Assault

Beyond social and safety impacts, excessive alcohol consumption places a heavy burden on the body.

• Overcrowded Emergency Rooms

Hospitals and emergency care units experience a sharp increase in admissions during Carnival, many directly related to alcohol abuse. These cases not only constitute medical emergencies themselves but also divert resources and attention from other urgent conditions.

• Acute Alcohol Intoxication

Rapid consumption of large amounts of alcohol can lead to severe alcohol poisoning. Blood alcohol concentration rises to dangerous levels, affecting vital functions.

Symptoms may progress from confusion and disorientation to stupor, loss of consciousness, respiratory difficulties, uncontrollable vomiting with aspiration risk, and, in extreme cases, coma or death. In some Brazilian capitals, emergency visits for this condition rise between 50% and 70% during Carnival.

• Dehydration and General Malaise

Alcohol has a strong diuretic effect, increasing fluid loss. Combined with intense heat and prolonged physical activity during festivities, dehydration can lead to dizziness, severe headaches, muscle cramps, exhaustion, and even heatstroke from prolonged sun exposure.

People with preexisting conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or respiratory disorders face even greater risks, including health crises or decompensation.

• Liver Damage

The liver is the primary organ responsible for metabolizing alcohol through enzymes such as alcohol dehydrogenase. When overloaded, it can suffer significant damage.

A single episode of excessive drinking may trigger acute inflammation (alcoholic hepatitis), characterized by jaundice, fever, nausea, abdominal pain, and fatigue. For chronic drinkers, each binge episode accelerates the progression of long-term liver diseases such as fatty liver disease and cirrhosis.

• Gastrointestinal Problems (Gastritis and Esophagitis)

Alcohol directly irritates the lining of the stomach and esophagus, causing acute gastritis and esophagitis. Symptoms include severe heartburn, burning sensations, nausea, and persistent vomiting lasting for days.

Individuals with preexisting gastroesophageal reflux disease may experience significant worsening of symptoms.

• Risk of Acute Pancreatitis

Excessive alcohol consumption is one of the possible causes of acute pancreatitis, a potentially severe inflammatory condition of the pancreas. It can result in intense abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and, in severe cases, complications such as tissue necrosis and multiple organ failure.

• Mental Health

“Post-Carnival depression” is a reality for many people. Although alcohol may initially create feelings of euphoria, it is ultimately a depressant of the central nervous system.

It disrupts neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, intensifying anxiety, sadness, irritability, and dysphoria during withdrawal periods. Individuals with preexisting mental health disorders may experience relapses or worsening symptoms.

Additionally, alcohol abuse during Carnival may trigger the development or worsening of alcohol dependence.

How to Enjoy Carnival Responsibly and Safely

Given all these risks, the major challenge is balancing the excitement of the celebration with the protection of our health and safety. The good news is that it is entirely possible to fully enjoy Carnival without falling into excess.

Prevention, moderation, and self-care are the keys to a truly safe celebration.

For a mindful reveler, preparation begins long before leaving home:

• Stay Hydrated Constantly and Wisely

Alternate every alcoholic drink with a glass of water. This is crucial to counteract alcohol’s diuretic effects and Carnival’s intense heat, helping prevent dehydration.

Coconut water, sports drinks, and natural juices are also excellent choices for replenishing electrolytes and nutrients.

• Eat Well and Strategically

Never drink on an empty stomach. Eat nutritious and balanced meals before and during festivities.

Foods rich in protein and complex carbohydrates (such as whole grains and lean meats) help slow alcohol absorption and minimize its effects.

• Drink Slowly and Respect Your Limits

The primary goal is celebration and enjoyment — not intoxication.

Set a personal drinking limit before you begin and try to stick to it. Savor the event and the company around you. Avoid mixing different types of alcoholic beverages, as this may make it harder to monitor intake and accelerate intoxication.

• Rest Properly

Your body and mind need time to recover. Ensure adequate sleep and relaxation between days of celebration to maintain energy and mental clarity.

• If You Drink, Don’t Drive — Plan Ahead

This rule is non-negotiable.

Use taxis, ride-sharing apps, public transportation, or designate a sober driver. Everyone’s life on the road is far too valuable to risk because of an irresponsible decision.

• Protect Yourself From Sun and Heat

Use sunscreen with a high protection factor, wear sunglasses, hats or caps, and light clothing. Seek shaded areas whenever possible.

This protection not only prevents sunburn and heatstroke but also reduces physical exhaustion that may encourage additional drinking.

• Pay Attention to Your Body’s Signals and Seek Help

Persistent headaches, severe nausea, excessive dizziness, or any unusual discomfort are warning signs. Listen to your body and reduce or stop drinking.

If symptoms become severe or persistent, seek medical attention immediately.

Final Reflections

Carnival, at its core, reflects our society. The way we celebrate — especially regarding alcohol consumption — has a direct and profound impact on public health, collective safety, and individual well-being.

This is not about restricting joy or prohibiting fun, but rather about cultivating celebration in a sustainable, conscious, and responsible way.

Data and lived experiences clearly show that irresponsible alcohol use leaves deep scars, increasing accidents, violence, and critical strain on healthcare systems.

We should strive to move beyond temporary euphoria and reflect on the choices we make. True freedom lies in the ability to care for ourselves and protect others.

May the hangover — if it comes — remain only a minor inconvenience, and not a heavy debt against our health and our lives. Carnival can and should be a celebration of conscious joy, respect for the body, and appreciation for life in its fullest sense.