There are plenty of clichés about the benefits of moderation, and when it comes to alcohol many of those sayings are true. There are serious health risks that come with binge drinking and consuming large quantities of alcohol in a short amount of time.
Drinking a lot of alcohol just to get drunk is a type of alcohol abuse called binge drinking. Binge drinkers can be any age, but young adults between the ages of 18 and 34, especially young men, are statistically more likely to binge when they drink.
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People drink too much for a number of reasons:
- Alcohol lowers inhibitions, making it seem easier to connect with others and fit in.
- It is a socially acceptable activity for many peer groups.
- It's a way to assert independence from parents. This is especially true for those entering college or joining the military after high school.
- It provides an escape from the routine of daily life and an opportunity to forget one's self for a while.
- It offers an element of risk, which can be thrilling.
- It's encouraged by liquor stores and alcoholic beverage companies, which make drinking seem essential to having fun; and bars that target young people with drink specials or drinking games.
Effects of binge drinking
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, binge drinking:
- Occurs when men consume five or more drinks in about two hours, and women have four or more drinks in about two hours
- Brings a person's blood alcohol concentration to 0.08 grams percent or above
Someone with a 0.08 to 0.16 blood alcohol concentration may have trouble with:
- Speech
- Memory
- Coordination
- Balance
- Driving skills
- Judgment
Consequences of binge drinking may include:
- Accidental injuries or death from a car crash, a fall, burns or drowning.
- Harm to others as a result of fights, domestic violence or irresponsible handling of weapons.
- An unplanned pregnancy or contraction of sexually transmitted diseases.
- Loss of valuable property such as a damaged car, stolen wallet or dropped phone.
- Reckless spending while intoxicated.
- Failure to report for duty, missed classes or poor job performance due to hangovers.
Alcohol poisoning
Continuing to drink when you're already drunk puts you at risk of a potentially deadly overdose. Known as alcohol poisoning, this can cause death from:
- Heart failure
- Low body temperature
- Inability to breathe
- Death from choking on your own vomit, or severe dehydration from vomiting.
If a victim of extreme alcohol poisoning survives, he or she can still experience permanent brain damage.
Signs of alcohol poisoning
Get immediate medical help if you or someone you know shows signs of the following:
- Becomes extremely confused, in a stupor or unable to wake up
- Begins vomiting
- Experiences seizures
- Has trouble breathing
- Has cold, clammy or bluish skin
Tips for safe drinking
If you're going to drink, be safe. Here are a few guidelines:
- Eat before you drink.
- Alternate your drinks with water or soda.
- Decide beforehand how many drinks you will have and stop when you reach that number.
- Know the early signs of intoxication (slurred speech, memory, attention, coordination or balance impairments), and stop drinking when these symptoms occur.
- Have a safe transportation plan, and never get in a car with a drunk driver.
- Be supportive of your friends who choose not to drink.
If you think you have a problem with binge drinking, call Military OneSource at 800-342-9647. A consultant can review your options for assistance and provide appropriate referrals.