Content reviewed by Anthony T. Triola, Executive Director at New Hope Ranch
Binge drinking is a dangerous level of drinking that can create a number of mental, physical and psychological effects. It also increases the risk of fatal accidents. If you are regularly participating in heavy drinking, this could be an indication that you need help. Consuming high amounts of alcohol not only has dangerous short-term effects, but could create lasting ailments that interfere with the quality of your overall wellbeing. Further, such long-term effects could become debilitating and even lead to serious addiction.
Binge drinking is a common form of alcohol consumption among young adults and adults alike. No matter your age, the effects of overconsumption have toxic results. Take a look at what binge drinking entails and some of the long-term effects of binge drinking, as well as how you can seek professional care to help you manage your drinking.
What is binge drinking?
Binge drinking is a form of heavy drinking. For men, this means drinking five or more drinks within a two-hour period. For women, binge drinking includes having four or more drinks within a two-hour period. It also includes any alcohol containing wine, beer or hard liquor. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in six adults binge drink multiple times per month. Most people that binge drink are between the ages of 18-34.
Why do people binge drink?
The reasons you might binge drink can vary based on personal circumstances. In many cases, drinking heavier amounts occurs in social settings. In such instances, you might binge drink to fit in or to ease social anxiety. You might want to experience intoxication. While you do not always need to be dependent on alcohol to binge drink, this does not mean that drinking higher amounts cannot lead to or be a symptom of a serious problem. If you are wondering what the signs of alcoholism are, it is essential to evaluate your reasons for drinking. Some reasons for binge drinking include:
- Becoming intoxicated
- Having alcohol cravings
- Self-medicating
Drinking alcohol to avoid personal issues is not a maintainable coping tool or solution. Over time, excessive drinking can pose serious dangers. At New Hope Ranch, we help address the onset or cycle of addiction by helping you uncover the root of your motivation to drink. We are qualified to treat both mental and physical dependence as a result of binge drinking. We can also help you identify the signs of alcoholism through our refined health screening process.
The long-term effects of binge drinking will adversely affect your health.
While there are many short-term effects and dangers posed by binge drinking, other personal, social and health problems may develop over time as a result of this excessive drinking. The more frequently you binge drink, the more likely you are to develop these effects. Long-term effects and health risks linked to heavy drinking include:
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Heart and liver disease
- Various cancers
- Memory and learning problems
- Depression
- Nerve damage
Binge drinking will also increase your tolerance to alcohol and cause dependence in the body.
Over time, such dependence can make it difficult for you to reduce or stop your drinking. If you become dependent, you are at greater risk for addiction and could experience withdrawal symptoms within 12 hours of your last drink. Therefore, it is important to monitor the signs of addiction. Your developing addiction could further become perpetuated by genetic, environmental and mental health issues.
At New Hope Ranch, our specialists recognize binge drinking as a sign of a larger problem.
While your binge drinking might not lead to serious dependency, you could still suffer in silence. You might feel shame for drinking heavy amounts, or you might feel intimidated to admit that your drinking is becoming problematic. However, New Hope Ranch can offer you the space, comfort and resources to get a professional diagnosis and help. Depending on the severity of your treatment, we work to find the best care to meet your individual needs. We also utilize the resources around us to further ensure you are getting the best care. Such resources include:
- Supervised detox
- 12-step program
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Group, individual and family counseling
- Sober living arrangements
- Mindfulness and stress management practices
- Outdoor therapy
Each of these treatments will aid you in your ability to overcome your binge drinking and even help you restore health to your mind, body and spirit. It takes your inner strength and willingness to recognize your drinking habits as problematic. The sooner you seek help, the better chances you will have at managing your drinking habits and restoring your overall health.
If you have noticed a change in your drinking habits to where you are drinking heavier amounts, then it is time to evaluate your drinking habits. When you seek help at New Hope Ranch, we can attempt to help you uncover the motivating reasons for why you are drinking. . If you are currently struggling with binge drinking or other mental health issues, then the time to seek help is now. Find out more by calling New Hope Ranch today at (737) 600-8565.