Alcohol use is widely accepted in most areas of the United States. Studies show that most adults in the US drink from time to time. While many drink in moderation as part of a generally healthy lifestyle, some people struggle to control their alcohol use.

Unhealthy drinking behaviors, including heavy and binge drinking, can significantly harm your mental and physical health. Drinking too much can cause immediate harm and long-term health complications. It can lead to addiction and physical dependence that require treatment.

But do people need to go to treatment for binge drinking? Binge drinking means drinking a large amount of alcohol in a short period. While this is dangerous and puts people at risk of serious harm, is it a sign you need to go to rehab?

This article will explore binge drinking and its risks. You will learn:

If you or a loved one requires treatment for alcohol abuse, you are not alone. Contact the Carolina Center for Recovery specialists to explore our treatment and recovery support programs. Reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.

Binge Drinking: An Overview

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) define binge drinking as consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short period.

These agencies define binge drinking as:

• For men, consuming five or more alcoholic drinks in a short period
• For women, drinking four or more alcoholic beverages in a short period

A “drink” is not simply any beverage containing alcohol. It is a specific unit of measurement, defined as:

• 12 ounces of beer
• 5 ounces of wine
• 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits
• 8 ounces of malt liquor

According to these guidelines, some standard drinks, such as a pint of beer, would count as more than one “drink.”

Movies and other media portray binge drinking at frat parties or teen gatherings. Because of this, many people imagine that college students or young adults are responsible for the majority of the nation’s binge drinking. However, research shows that binge drinking rates are the highest among people in the 25-34 age range.

It can be easy to binge unintentionally. For instance, having two large glasses of wine with a meal and an after-dinner cocktail may constitute a binge.

Binge drinking causes a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to rise above 0.08%. This is the level where most experts believe people are too intoxicated to drive safely. Elevated BAC levels can also cause short and long-term risks.

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The Risks of Binge Drinking

Binge drinking can cause a range of short-term consequences. People may experience:

• Loss of inhibitions
• Poor coordination
• Reduced or loss of consciousness

These effects of binge drinking may result in a higher risk of:

• Blacking out
• Engaging in risky sexual behaviors
• Drowning
• Falls
• Dying from exposure to extreme temperatures
• Alcohol poisoning
• Being the victim of a sexual assault or another crime

People who consume large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time may do or say things they wouldn’t while sober. They may harm themselves or others, get into fights, drive recklessly, or harm themselves in other ways.

Alcohol overdose is one of the most significant risks of binge drinking. People may drink so much that their bodies cannot process it. This can lead to loss of consciousness, insufficient breathing, or death.

Some of the long-term effects of binge drinking include:

• Higher risk of sexually transmitted infections
• Unintended pregnancy
• Legal or financial trouble
• Brain damage that leads to memory problems and cognitive decline

Binge drinkers may also be at higher risk for chronic health conditions, including:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Certain kinds of cancer
• Liver disease

It is important to identify problematic drinking, including binge drinking. If you continue to drink alcohol even when it causes problems, it may be a sign of alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Do I Need Treatment for Binge Drinking?

It can be challenging to determine when drinking has become problematic. Binge drinking is not necessarily a sign of alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, it can be a warning sign about your relationship with alcohol.

Here are some signs that you may require treatment for your problematic drinking behaviors:

• You engage in heavy drinking (drinking more than recommended over the course of a week)
• You notice the effects of alcohol withdrawal when you stop drinking
• You crave alcohol
• You need to drink more to get the effects of alcohol
• You neglect your relationships, responsibilities, or hobbies because of your drinking or hangovers
• You want to cut back on drinking but find it’s challenging

If you have any of these signs of alcohol use disorder, seek treatment right away. Comprehensive tratment can help you safely stop drinking and work toward a healthier, sober future.

Find Treatment Now

Contact the Carolina Center for Recovery team now to learn more about our alcohol addiction rehab programs. Reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment. Don’t wait for the help you need. Take the first step toward the future you choose by contacting us today.

References:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): What is Excessive Drinking?
2. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Understanding Binge Drinking
3. National Institute of Health (NIH): Binge Drinking
4. University of Rochester Medical Center: College Students and the Dangers of Binge Drinking
5. National Institute of Health (NIH): Alcohol Use Disorder