There are several options drug addiction available for people who currently binge drink. These may help them gain control of their drinking habits or even stop drinking altogether. Some options may include finding replacement activities or seeking professional help.
Understanding excessive drinking
- But excessive drinking is regarded, as Kim stated, as a political and moral vice.
- You might struggle with the immediate physical consequences—headache, nausea, weakness, poor sleep quality.
- Although drinking this much might not seem like a big deal in the moment, you may regret your choices later.
- Because excessive alcohol use impairs judgment and inhibitions, it can lead to risky behavior that can come with some serious consequences.
The CDC defines a binge-drinking episode as at least four drinks for women or five drinks for men within a two-hour period. This is enough to raise your blood alcohol level to .08, which would result in impaired driving. The chances are especially high for people who drink heavily during their teen years. Teenage binge drinkers are about three times more likely to develop alcohol use disorder. While you can’t control how other adults handle alcohol, if you’re the parent of a teen who binges, you’ll want to take action.
Who binge drinks?
This strategy can also come in handy if you’re with a group of friends who want to play drinking games. Binge drinkers often have a harder time with tasks that involve impulse control, leading to reckless or dangerous behavior. Many alcoholic beverages have lots of calories, and you might not notice that because they’re so easy to consume. For example, if a 12-ounce beer has about 150 calories, and you drink binge drinking effects five, you’ve consumed an additional 750 calories which can quickly add inches to your waistline. It’s not uncommon for young adults to encourage one another to drink in excess, mix their drinks, or add rounds of shots. Even older adults can find it harder to turn down “one more drink” when they’re out having fun with friends.
Binge Drinking Health Effects
Binge drinking can also lead to risky decision-making and result in a range of physical and social consequences including violence and unsafe sexual behavior. As you start to prioritize your alcohol use, it can have a negative effect on your work, school, or social life. You might try cutting back on your drinking but find that you suffer headaches, fatigue, anxiety, or irritability on the days when you don’t drink.
By contrast, another 2023 study found similar rates of death between nondrinkers and light to moderate drinkers. While fear and shame lead many to underreport alcohol use, providers can foster honesty by creating a safe space, asking specific questions, and focusing on health impacts. Honest disclosure is vital for optimal care, and even small reductions in alcohol intake can significantly improve health outcomes.
Health Topics
Keep in mind that people who really care about you will accept your decision. Consider avoiding people who pressure you as well as people who tend to binge drink. Because excessive alcohol use impairs judgment and inhibitions, it can lead to risky behavior that can come with some serious consequences. Alcohol lowers inhibitions and, in the moment, makes you feel more relaxed. Because of this initial effect, people often use alcohol to cope with social anxiety. You might binge drink in order to feel confident talking, flirting, or making jokes with strangers.
