Some Facts About Binge Drinking You Should Know
Some Facts About Binge Drinking You Should Know
Some facts about binge drinking everyone should know: Binge drinking is defined by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) as “a pattern of drinking that brings blood alcohol content to 0.08. Usually taking four drinks for women, and five drinks for men.” However, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) defines binge drinking as having “5 or more alcoholic beverages on the same occasion for 5 or more days in the past 30 days.” Either way, it is the consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol in a short period and can have detrimental effects.
Binge drinking is most common among young adults ages 18-34; 18-25 is considered college level, and college students are considered the most vulnerable victims to binge drinking as a result of their new, free lifestyle. Many students get to school and expect nothing, but a good time, never taking the time to calculate the risks of their actions. This attitude has proven to be their ultimate downfall.
Facts About Binge Drinking You Don't Know
Consequences of binge drinking can be short-term, like a fall or a nonfatal car crash. Others can be long-term and life-changing such as an STD, liver disease, or neurological damage. Drinking is linked to aggressive behavior. It is the leading cause of violent acts such as sexual assault and domestic violence.
Many people believe that by lowering their heavy or binge drinking habits to just moderate drinking will eliminate their problem. But, that isn’t the way addiction works.
Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Abuse
One of the hardest things to do when dealing with a binge drinking problem is to admit that you have a problem. Finding an inpatient treatment program is the next step. Many of the facts about binge drinking include options for effective treatment. In most cases, inpatient programs are the most effective for lasting recovery.
- A safe and secure environment
- The time to focus solely on treatment
- Removal from stressful circumstances that may promote the urge to use
- Emotionally supportive staff and peers
Inpatient treatment facilities have tremendously high success rates. Patients are less likely to relapse as they would with outpatient care. During your time there, you will gain understanding, consolation, and patience. Also, every form of treatment will be available to you.
A popular and successful treatment approach that many inpatient programs offer is cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a method that explores the conflict between cognition (perceptions, thoughts, and emotions) and behavioral studies. A person dealing with addiction may genuinely want to quit, but compulsive behaviors make it more difficult for them. With cognitive behavioral therapy, the patient records his or her thoughts and feelings. They also record moments that trigger those thoughts and feelings, and the behavior they carried out as a result.
Studies show that addiction includes exaggerated thoughts and conflicting feelings. Therefore, by understanding your triggers, you learn how to deal with them and can progress on your road to recovery. Knowing how to manage triggers is among the facts about binge drinking that everyone should know.
6 Rules for Maintaining Abstinence
Once the treatment is complete, and a patient is out on their own again, it can be pretty scary trying to move forward with no one holding your hand.
- Get regular exercise.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Clarify your values and priorities with yourself.
- Associate with healthy, active people. Don’t isolate yourself.
- Get as much sleep as you need.
- If you feel the urge to drink, call someone you trust.
If you need more facts about binge drinking or have a problem with abusing alcohol, please don’t wait to ask for help. Contact an inpatient drug and alcohol addiction treatment facility and receive the help you need to recover your healthy and happy life.
