Most Alcohol-Related Hospital Visits Are Due to 'Beer'

Are some drinks more likely to send you to the ER?

Alcohol abuse is one of the major reasons people land in emergency rooms. A 2013 study from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore found that roughly one in three ER patients had alcohol involvement. But some drinks were more prone to hospital visits than others. Beer — especially malt-based liquor — seemed to be the culprit.

Which beers were the biggest offenders?

The study, led by researcher David Jernigan, pointed to a handful of brands that most often showed up in ER alcohol cases: Steel Reserve, Colt 45, Bud Ice, and King Cobra. All of these are malt-based liquors. But it's not the malt that is the reason — malt base simply means a grain (barley) is the main ingredient of the beverage. These beers were responsible for hospital visits because their alcohol content is very high — usually 8–9%, compared to the typical 4–5% of most beers.

Unlike usual beers, these have higher alcohol content. Steel Reserve comes in a 24-ounce can to start with, with alcohol content at almost 9%. People often wrongly assume that since it's beer, they can drink more cans of it — that can be a fatal mistake with Steel Reserve. Colt 45 and Bud Ice have almost 6% alcohol content — but remember, it is easy to guzzle down large quantities of beer. So next time you have the urge to reach for the next can of beer — refrain; you might end up in the ER.

What about energy drinks?

Apart from these beers, another category infamous for hospital visits is energy drinks like 5-hour Energy. Energy drinks have been associated with ER visits, cardiac arrests, insomnia, and addiction, among other things. Energy Fiend's rundown of energy drink dangers covers the risks in detail.

Next time you say cheers — be cognizant of the drink in hand.

Editor's note: the original Johns Hopkins press-release link no longer resolves and has been removed; the 2013 study findings are preserved as originally reported. An unsupported "one energy drink equals 20 cups of coffee" claim has been removed. General information only, not medical advice.