NORTH CAROLINA -- With nighttime temperatures well below freezing and daytime highs not far above it, some may be tempted to turn to alcohol for a warm up.

But doctors say that can turn dangerous in a hurry. In cold weather, it's extra important to drink responsibly and dress appropriately.

"That warmth is going to your skin to try and heat it up, but the warmth is leaving your body. Overall, you're getting colder even though you feel like you're warmer,” explains Dr. Jason Mesner of Moses Cone Health. “When you couple that with having a few alcoholic drinks, it inhibits your decision making."

He says it only takes a few minutes for your core temperature to drop low enough to risk hypothermia.