To understand the dangers of binge drinking, one must know the different types of drinkers. There are four types of drinkers, from social drinking to drinking to cope with life circumstances. Social drinkers generally can go out with friends, have a few drinks and go days, weeks, or months without drinking again. Social engagements are the number one contributor to drinking among teens and young adults.
There are also those who drink to be a part of. Think of it as peer pressure. Friends and family are drinking, and an individual wants to be accepted, and do what the others are doing. Then there are those who drink for enhancement. These people generally drink for the sole purpose of getting and feeling drunk. Lastly, there are those who drink to cope. When life gets overwhelming, and things aren’t going as planned, people often turn to alcohol in order to cope with the feelings that may arise. This is where it can get dangerous.
Signs of Binge Drinking
Equaling out to about 5 drinks for men and 4 drinks for women in less than 2 hours, binge drinking is when someone consumes enough alcohol to bring their blood alcohol levels up to the legal limit. A drink is considered to be 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or about an ounce and half of liquor. Alcohol can be a dangerous substance to use regularly, and many people admit to drinking heavily at least once a month, and sometimes more.
The signs of binge drinking affect everybody differently. However, if drinking causes problems at work, home, or school then there is a problem. Some other signs of a binge drinking problem can include:
- Drinking more than intended
- Drinking more often
- Drinking unusually early in the day
- Inability to slow down or stop
- Avoiding enjoyable activities to drink
- Withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
Effects Of Binge Drinking
The effects and dangers of binge drinking can affect a person’s life in drastic and devastating ways. Oftentimes, binge drinking can lead to dependence and addiction to alcohol. Once this point is reached, it is crucial to seek proper professional care to help as a person goes through the process of ridding the body of the toxins alcohol contains. Detoxing from alcohol can be extremely uncomfortable and lead to some potentially life-threatening symptoms.
Other dangers of binge drinking can include things like alcohol poisoning, liver damage, and digestive issues, among other health concerns. If there is a loved one struggling with alcohol and binge drinking, encouraging them to seek help could be a turning point for them. There is help available.
Binge Drinking and Polydrug Use
The dangers of binge drinking can also include polydrug use. Polydrug use? refers to when more than one substance is used at the same time, or in close proximity to one another. For example, drinking alcohol and using cocaine or other drugs. Even taking prescription medications while drinking can be considered polydrug use. This can be dangerous because depending on the substance, it can lead to further complications. Alcohol is a depressant, mixing it with other depressants can result in severely shallow breathing, and lack of oxygen to the brain as well as other vital organs in the body.
Polydrug abuse can lead to addiction just as binge drinking can. The dangers of binge drinking and polydrug abuse can lead to dangerous, life-threatening health complications. If an individual is struggling with alcohol or other substances, seeking help as soon as possible can make a big difference in the repercussions associated with addiction to substances.
Prevention and Treatment
When someone is struggling with alcohol, it is vital to accept and receive proper professional care. During this time a person can learn to live life without turning to substances as a means of coping. It can also help a person to get back on track by medically being monitored through the detox process. This process is highly unpleasant and oftentimes people return to drinking because the symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal are so uncomfortable.
Awareness is crucial to prevention. Knowing the dangers of binge drinking can be a catalyst to a person avoiding the consequences of alcohol addiction. Professional help is available when it is needed, and healing can be the most beneficial thing someone can do for themselves in order to better their life after struggling with alcohol.
Heal at Empowered Recovery
Binge drinking can be a dangerous place to be in. It can lead to some severe consequences, including becoming addicted to alcohol. Addiction to alcohol is life-changing and dangerous. It can lead to health issues, mental health problems, loss of family relationships and loss of jobs. Seeking professional help can be the best option for those who are struggling with alcohol. If you or a loved one are struggling, Empowered Recovery Center can help. We offer a comprehensive plan to help those who need it find and maintain recovery.
Call us today and begin your journey to healing and recovery from alcohol addiction.
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