What Is Binge Drinking?
For women, four or even more bottles in two hours (or five for males) constitutes a “binge”. Binge drinking, defined as consuming an excessive amount of alcohol in a short time, is a widespread issue in the United States and across the globe. Ninety-five thousand people in the United States die each year from excessive alcohol consumption due to binge drinking.
A blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 (the accepted value in many parts of the United States) or greater may develop from this kind of drinking. Judgment and decision-making are impeded at this stage, resulting in high-risk activities such as drinking and driving. A problem with binge drinking might arise, but it is not the same as alcoholism or alcohol dependence.
A Binge Drinker’s Repercussions
Some of the immediate and long-term risks that binge drinkers face includes the following:
- Impaired decision-making
- DWI (driving while intoxicated)
- Mortality from alcohol poisoning and overconsumption
- Changes in brain chemistry
- Elevated risk of developing breast cancer in females
- Liver problems
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Mood changes and depression
When It Comes to Binge Drinking, Who Is Most Vulnerable?
In the past, males were thought to be more prone to binge drinking than women. Alcohol use and binge drinking have been equal between men and women over the last decade. Binge drinking is hazardous for females in their late teens and early twenties. The highest percentages among college students are among Hispanics, Native Americans, African-Americans, and Asians. Students in sorority and fraternity organizations are more likely to engage in binge drinking. This form of drinking is more common among those from lower socioeconomic statuses outside of college.
Can Binge Drinking Indicate a Serious Health Issue?
Short answer: binge drinking may, but does not usually, lead to or indicate a problem with drinking alcohol. Some binge drinking is harmless, such as when done in social situations, but excessive drinking regularly increases the likelihood of developing addictive drinking habits linked to alcohol use disorder or dependence. Binge drinking is now becoming a more significant issue, and these are some of the warning signs:
- Overindulgence in alcohol or alcohol activities
- Withdrawal symptoms
- The inability to stop drinking.
- A desire to drink more booze to achieve intoxication.
- Alcoholic episodes persist despite the social, vocational, and interpersonal issues it causes.
- Spending a lot of time getting more alcohol.
- Indulging in harmful activities such as drunk driving
Seek The Best Treatment for Alcoholism and Binge Drinking in Houston
Binge drinking may signify a more severe problem with alcohol. Even though they don’t drink daily, they cannot regulate their drinking when they do. People may not be aware of the dangers until they start drinking excessively and regularly. It’s understandable that individuals who know someone with this kind of alcohol abuse disorder worry.
Addiction treatment based on scientific data must be sought from an addiction specialist, such as a physician or a therapist. Once a medical diagnosis of an excessive drinking problem is made, a patient’s treatment options will be directed by that diagnosis, which may include medical detoxification, rehabilitation, counseling, and peer support participation. Fortunately, various treatment alternatives are available to help individuals struggling with alcoholism, despite how widespread it is.
If you or somebody you value is struggling with the consequences of binge drinking or even other troublesome drinking habits, help is available. Contact Mallard Lake Detox Center to talk with one of our kind and knowledgeable admissions navigators about your treatment and recovery options.
Daryl Green