Binge Drinking
Binge Drinking is defined as drinking heavily over a short period
of time or drinking continuously over a number of days or weeks. It is also
commonly known as .getting smashed., or .drinking to get drunk.. A person who
binge drinks may generally have restrained drinking habits, but may frequently
overindulge to an extreme level.
Alcohol use is widespread, although the per capita
consumption has varied from decade to decade. While U.S. consumption of alcoholic beverages
increased after World II, it has declined slightly since 1981. Even with
declines in alcohol use, two out of three American adults drink alcoholic
beverages. About half of all alcohol consumed in the United States is ingested by heavy
drinkers, estimated to be between 6.5 and 10 percent of the total population.
The extent and frequency with which these individuals drink can cause serious
health and behavioral problems, disrupting their own lives and that of their
family, friends, and employers.
Individuals may not necessarily set out to drink a lot, but
may be unsure of their limits. This results in drinking too much over a short
period of time. Also, an individual may be more likely to binge drink if they
are feeling peer pressure to do so. Another factor that often leads to binge
drinking is feeling anxious or socially awkward. For example, at a party, they
may binge drink with the aim to reduce those feelings of anxiety and
awkwardness.
Binge drinking can be immediately and directly harmful to a
user.s health. It can expose them to injury or unnecessary risks to themselves
and others. As well as having adverse short-term effects, binge drinking can
also cause long-term effects on the user.s health and well-being.
Possible Effects of Binge Drinking
Short-term effects of
binge drinking
. Hangovers
. Nausea
. Shakiness
. Bad skin due to dehydration
. Vomiting
. Memory loss
. Injury to yourself or others
Long-term effects of
binge drinking
. Physical and psychological dependence on alcohol
. Significant damage to the brain and liver
. Risk of cancer in the mouth, throat, or esophagus
. Possible increased risk of neurological disorders, heart
problems, and sexual problems (especially male impotency)
. Risk of emotional problems developing such as depression,
problems at school, problems at work, and issues within relationships
Other possible effects
of binge drinking
. Participating in things you wouldn't normally do such as
having unprotected sex, or unwanted sex. This might lead to unwanted pregnancy
or STD's
. Feeling bad about yourself, embarrassed by your own
actions
. Vulnerability while intoxicated
. Losing friends or loved ones as a result of your behavior
. Loss of money after reckless spending on alcohol
Nearly 14 million people in the United States, 1 in every 13
adults, engage in binge drinking or are considered alcoholics. However, more
men than women are alcohol dependent or experience alcohol-related problems. In
addition, rates of alcohol problems are highest among young adults ages 18-29
and lowest among adults 65 years and older. Among major U.S. ethnic
groups, rates of alcoholism and alcohol-related problems vary.
It is important to know how alcohol affects you as an
individual. Know your limits! If you know you will be drinking alcohol,
planning is essential. Nominate a non-drinker to drive and generally to look
out for those who will be drinking.
Tips for Controlling Binge Drinking
There are a number of things an individual can do to keep
their binge drinking under control, including the following:
. Set limits and stick to them
. Start with a non-alcoholic drink
. Try having a .spacer. - alternating non-alcoholic drinks
with alcoholic drinks
. Drink slowly - Take sips not gulps
. Try a low alcohol alternative to a pre-mixed drink
. Eat before or while you are drinking, but avoid salty
snacks as they make you thirsty
. Avoid shots of hard liquor
. Have one drink at a time, so you can keep track
. Avoid sculling competitions and drinking games
. Stay busy - don't just sit and drink
. Be assertive - don't be pressured into drinking more than
you want or intend to
