Binge Drinking

What is binge drinking and why is it a problem? While hard to identify, binge drinking’s usually considered drinking 5 or more drinks with blood alcohol concentration of .08. It’s slightly less for females. Binge drinking is most common among ages 18-34. Often binge drinking is intentional. The person drinks with the intention of drinking a large amount in a relatively short period of time.

In college, an inexperienced drinker might try to keep up with his/her friends, yet is not accustomed to drinking, so 4 to 5 drinks is a lot. This type of drinker will usually adjust and stop the crazy drinking. Those who develop a tolerance for alcohol are at risk for alcoholism, and their drinking might signify the early stages of alcoholism. In some cultures, binge drinking is accepted as normal. Binge drinking can lead to serious consequences regardless how or why it happens.

Drinking a lot in a short amount of time can cause accidents, unwanted pregnancy, venereal disease, alcohol poisoning, DUI and injury, among other consequences, when judgement is severely impaired. If a person’s binge drinking and experiences consequences, yet continues to binge drink, counseling is indicated. The person might not be an alcoholic, but there’re serious problems with alcohol short of alcoholism. Below is an excerpt from Addiction.com:

People who drink excessively tend to progress in those patterns, gradually drinking more. Levels of alcohol consumption may increase without intentional action. Thus, while binge drinking is not an immediate precursor to alcoholism, binge episodes could increase until alcohol is desired or required daily.

If you suspect that your binge drinking patterns are reaching a disturbing point, you may wish to seek treatment. It is not necessary to progress to alcoholism in order to receive medical intervention.

Don’t think that binge drinking is harmless — it can be deadly.