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For these reasons, binge drinking can actually be considered to be a type of alcohol use disorder and may require intervention to help the person manage the issues that arise around this type of alcohol consumption. Some college students find solace in binge drinking, as they struggle to deal with stressors of daily college life and peer pressure. An additional reason for the over consumption of alcohol among college students is the carefree and party lifestyle many college students partake in, with little regard for health consequences. The many long-term health risks, however, outweigh the short-term excitement. Over drinking in college can lead to a lifetime of problems, as the younger a drinker is, the more likely they are to transition into alcoholism later on.
In addition, regular binge drinking can turn into a pattern that can lead to alcoholism. Often, any social consequences of binge drinking behavior are related to impaired judgment. Issues not uncommon to binge drinking include arrest, damaging relationships, damaging posts on social media and more.
Talking to someone about their binge drinking
It might seem convenient when you have company over, but it also makes it easier to reach for multiple drinks while you’re alone. If you do end up storing alcohol at home, keep in the back of the fridge or in the basement—somewhere out of immediate sight. Memory loss or fragmented memories of the previous night might leave you feeling uneasy or worried about your health. You might start the night with the intention of drinking one or two beers.
Mental health or medical conditions can also increase the potential hazards of overdose. A hospital chaplain at Ohio State brings comfort and healing binge drinking to mental health patients one guitar and one song at a time. There’s a powerful story behind every headline at Ohio State Health & Discovery.
Who Is Most At Risk For Binge Drinking
You might try cutting back on your drinking but find that you suffer headaches, fatigue, anxiety, or irritability on the days when you don’t drink. Maybe you feel overconfident in your ability to drive while intoxicated, or you don’t think of the risks involved with physical stunts or going home with a stranger. Binge drinkers often have a harder time with https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/dealing-with-peer-pressure/ tasks that involve impulse control, leading to reckless or dangerous behavior. Binge drinking increases the chance of a person injuring themselves, either inside or outside the home. As mentioned above, alcohol is a factor in 40% of fatal falls, highway crashes, and suicides. Binge drinking increases the risk of depression, anxiety, and psychosis.
Millions of readers rely on HelpGuide.org for free, evidence-based resources to understand and navigate mental health challenges. Please donate today to help us save, support, and change lives. For example, they might decide to stick to one drink per occasion or no more than three drinks per week. When you’re drinking together, remind them of the limit they set for themselves. To help an underage drinker drop the habit, you’ll need to understand their motivations and be willing to converse with them in a nonjudgmental way.