Are you using alcohol as a reward? Do you lack the control to stop after one or two drinks? If so, you may be engaging in binge drinking. Binge drinking can be harmful to your health and can lead to addiction. If you are concerned about your binge drinking or that of someone else, there is help available. Read on for information about what binge drinking is, its effects, and how to get help.
What is Binge Drinking?
People who abuse alcohol often experience a pattern of misuse that corresponds with drinking 4 or more drinks in the span of about 2 hours. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about 66 million, or about 24 percent of people in the United States ages 12 and older reported binge drinking during the past month.
This begins the question, how often are you finding yourself turning to alcohol? While drinking too much can be a problem, how you handle yourself when alcohol is involved can play a huge role in how your relationships with others develop or dissolve. If you can relate to any of the following, let’s have a chat! Schedule time with me HERE, just click the button on the top right of the page.
Look below for some examples of what would be considered drinking in excess’:
- Large amount of alcohol consumption in a short period of time
- Spending the weekend on a bender
- Beginning your week sick and hungover
- Your usual number of drinks has less effect than before
Negative Effects of Binge Drinking
Many people engage in binge drinking without realizing the potential dangers. You may think that because you only drink on weekends, for example, that it’s no big deal. However, even just one excessive drinking episode can have negative consequences on your health. Binge drinking can have a variety of negative consequences, both in the short-term and long-term.
Binge drinking is especially dangerous for those struggling with addiction or in recovery from alcoholism.
Damaging Effects:
- Can lead to addiction
- Damage to the Liver
- Changes in brain function
- Cardiovascular Problems
- Increased risk for cancer
- Depression & other mental disorders
- Along with many other serious health consequences
** Adolescents who engage in Binge Drinking, can suffer serious lifelong consequences in brain development. It can cause lingering deficits in social, attention, memory, and other cognitive functions.
You Can Stop the Binging Cycle!
The difference between drinking casually and binge-drinking can often be difficult to determine. But knowing this line will help you assess whether or not your alcohol intake is excessive, even if only on the weekends! You can take our Free and Confidential Quiz to help you understand if you’ve crossed the line into harmful alcohol use.
The best way to put a stop to this harmful behavior is through education and discussing them with a professional. Speaking to a professional on how we might help curb these behaviors can be the difference between suffering another weekend bender, and waking up with a clear head. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. There are many resources available, and with support, recovery is possible.
Not sure about taking the quiz? Schedule a conversation with me so I can help you in your decision. Turning Leaves is here to help you through this journey!
Email: info@turningleavesrecovery.com