Binge drinking is common among high school and college students. It refers to consuming alcohol to the point of oblivion. The amount of alcohol taken produces blood alcohol levels that are beyond the required driving limit. This may lead to passing out, poor judgment, or dizziness. Some of the dangers of binge drinking include:
- Miscarriages or unintended pregnancies
- Violence such as sexual assault and homicide
- Chronic diseases like liver disease and high blood pressure
- Alcohol use disorders
- Unintentional injuries such as alcohol poisoning and burns
- Learning and memory problems
- Cancers of the colon, liver, and breast
College students who engage in binge drinking neglect their school responsibilities. They miss classes, get lower grades, or even drop out of school. The habit also affects their control and judgment. It slows down the development of their brains. Students who often binge drink put their futures at risk. Some may even die due to poisoning and other consequences of alcohol.
Binge drinking also affects the economy. It leads to less productivity at work. Other expenses include criminal justice costs and health care expenditures.
Reasons and Effects of Binge Drinking
Most people turn to binge drinking because of social pressure. Some may want to feel less awkward or anxious in a social setting. Young people tend to succumb to the pressure of binge drinking in seasonal events. These include sporting events and prom.
Engaging in binge drinking for years may permanently damage the brain. This affects how you practice self-control and experience pleasure. Some people binge drink alone to hide from the eyes of their loved ones and the society. Changes to the brain activity make it difficult to avoid alcohol. The individual continues taking the drug. It temporarily relieves them of feelings of guilt, fear, and sadness.
In the short-term, one may experience memory loss, hangover, and vomiting. Long-term effects include depression and hypertension. People who engage in binge drinking also get frequent blackouts. One may also experience a full or partial blackout.
How To Deal with Binge Drinking
First, you need to figure out whether or not you have a binge drinking problem. If you have four or more drinks a day, you have a binge drinking problem. Be honest with yourself. Take note of how much you drink.
Consider the long-term or short-term effects that you experience from binge drinking. Find out the people and places that trigger your drinking problem. Avoid occasions and gatherings that lead to drinking. You may also find a friend to help you stay sober and ultimately stay away from the dangers of binge drinking.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment Programs
If you have a binge drinking problem, it is wise to visit a reputable treatment facility. This is especially if the problem leads to alcohol addiction. Landmark Recovery provides treatment programs for people with binge drinking problems.
These programs include:
- Mindfulness and recreation therapy: Taking part in recreational activities keep your mind off drinking. Mindfulness activities enhance a healthy mind.
- Individual and group therapy: You may need to meet a counselor to help you overcome your binge drinking problem.
- Partial hospitalization: You may choose to stay at the facility as a boarder or outpatient.
- Residential treatment: This is like a rehab center. Patients stay in the facility full-time. They receive education and therapies on how to remain sober.
- Intensive outpatient program: This helps patients achieve and maintain sobriety even while at work or in school.
Alcoholism Treatment at Landmark Recovery
Don’t allow binge drinking to keep you away from school or work. Learn the dangers of binge drinking at Landmark Recovery and get treated for your alcoholism.