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Alcohol and Cold Weather: A Deadly Combination

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Contributed by: Tony Astran on 2/27/2007

ALCOHOL AND COLD WEATHER CREATES A DEADLY COMBINATION FOR HOMELESS WESTERN NEW YORKERS

Buffalo City Mission offers alcohol counseling

Severe winter weather conditions coupled with alcohol, can be a deadly combination for homeless men and women in Western New York. Alcohol provides a false sense of warmth that can result in an increase in hypothermia, frostbite and even death among the homeless. When cold weather hits Buffalo, 60 percent more people come to the Buffalo City Mission to stay the night and there is a 25 percent increase in those who arrive with alcohol problems.

"Alcohol dilates blood vessels, resulting in excessive heat loss from the body while at the same time works like a general anesthetic, depressing the central nervous system and creating a false sense of warmth," said Lora Warkentin, director of the Buffalo City Mission's Cornerstone Manor shelter for women and children. "The anesthetic effects of alcohol also mask minor aches and pains that can lead to health problems such as infections that persist undetected."

The Buffalo City Mission's Men Center and Cornerstone Manor have counselors on-site to help individuals understand the adverse bodily effects that can result from alcohol abuse. The Erie County Medical Center also provides out-patient counseling at the Mission for no cost.

"Alcoholism becomes an especially dangerous disease when the temperature drops," Thomas McLaughlin, executive director of the Buffalo City Mission, said. "Every year, we see cases of frostbite and hypothermia as a result of alcohol abuse."

According to Warkentin, many Western New Yorkers who are homeless do not get the help they need in time.

"Those under the influence of alcohol often experience a reduction in anxiety and do not look for assistance," Warkentin said. "In reality, the low anxiety level is due to the disruption of normal critical thinking. This makes people vulnerable to behaviors that put them at high risk for injury."

In addition to counseling, the Buffalo City Mission helps people cope with the physical effects of alcoholism as well as the withdrawal symptoms associated with overcoming the addiction.

"Although we provide supportive services, we make appropriate referrals for those clients who need detoxification for alcohol or drug abuse," Tony Barone, director of men's ministry for the Buffalo City Mission, said. "This policy enables us to maintain a safe environment for all."

The Buffalo City Mission accepts financial donations, food items, clothing and automobiles. All donations are tax deductible. To give to the Buffalo City Mission, please call Aubrey Calhoun at 854-8181.

The Buffalo City Mission, founded in 1917, is a not-for-profit organization that provides preventative, emergency and long-term recovery services to thousands of people who are homeless or impoverished. The Mission includes: Cornerstone Manor Women and Children Shelter; the Men's Center; the Mission Motors Vehicle Donation Program; and Second Chances Thrift Store. For more information, please visit www.buffalocitymission.org.

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