Dangers of Binge Drinking

by Admin on Thursday July 06, 2017

A Look into the Dangers of Binge Drinking

When one hears the term "binge drinking," what image comes to mind? Is it of a frat party with rambunctious young students enjoying the frivolities of college? Or, is it of a homeless person begging for money? Are imagining yourself? If so, are you tired of the lifestyle? Call Garland Drug Treatment Centers in Garland, Texas at (877) 804-1531 to find out about available treatment options now. There is no need to struggle under the burden of alcohol addiction any longer. Pick up the phone now and take the first step to regain control of your life.

What is Binge Drinking?

Binge drinking is defined as consuming a large quantity of alcohol in a single sitting. Usually, this is described as five (or more) drinks in one sitting for a man, and four (or more) for a woman in a single sitting. Ninety percent of kids under twenty-one who consume alcohol have engaged in some form of binge drinking.

Serious Binge Drinking Effects

Binge drinking has serious and detrimental health risks associated with it.

Binge drinking may well lead to alcoholism.
Drinking in this fashion may lead to unintentional injuries such as burns, car crashes, falls, and even alcohol poisoning – which could result in death.
Memory and learning issues could result from drinking in excess.
When one engages in binge drinking, they are putting themselves at risk of making questionable or even dangerous decisions. For example, having unprotected sex – which could lead to sexually transmitted diseases.
Violence, such as suicide, homicide, and sexual assault are common among those who are intoxicated as a result of binge drinking.
Another result of unprotected sex (aside from sexually transmitted diseases) is unwanted pregnancy. Further, poor pregnancy outcomes like stillbirth and miscarriage often follow.
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are common in women who binge drinking as well.
Tragically, sudden infant death syndrome may occur when a fetus has been exposed to alcohol.
Binge drinking effects include many types of cancer including mouth, breast, colon, liver, throat, and esophagus.
At some point, a person who binge drinks will experience a chronic disease such as liver disease, heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.

Are you a Binge Drinker?

If you are wondering whether or not you have a drinking problem, ask yourself these questions:

Have you become a daredevil? For example, dancing on the bar when you would normally never do so. This is awful when it happens in front of your co-workers. If you have been embarrassed about your behavior the morning after then you know what I mean.
Have you experienced blackouts? If you have forgotten parts of your evening – or all of it – then you have. This depends largely on several factors; genes, medications, or whether you ate that day or not.
Have you let responsibilities fall by the wayside? If you are neglecting your job, family, school, or other important things, you may have entered the danger zone and should seek help immediately.
Have you ever noticed that your drinks "creep up on you?" One moment you say you are only having one glass of wine, the next minute you are a bottle in. Alcoholism develops over time, next thing you know you need to go to rehab.
Are those closest to you concerned for you? Has anyone told you that you drink too much? Has someone alluded that your drinking is an issue? Sometimes, you need to listen.
Do you only drink on the weekends? This fact does not bar one from being an alcoholic. Even if you do not drink every day, the fact that you are the first one at happy hour on Friday should be a signal to you.

If you still unsure as to, "what is binge drinking," call Garland Drug Treatment Centers today for more information.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/binge-drinking.htm

http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/alcohol/what-is-binge-drinking.html