The Dangers Of Binge Drinking

Binge drinking, or the consumption of 5 or more alcoholic beverages in succession, is becoming rampant among younger people.  While binge drinkers may not drink everyday, or may not even be addicted to alcohol, the dangers of binge drinking are just as serious as someone who exhibits alcoholic behavior later in life. 

The majority of binge drinkers are younger people, typically between the ages of 18 and 22.  It normally starts in either high school or in the early years of college, and can continue well after the age of 22 in several cases.  Around 33 percent of high school seniors and around 45 percent of college students report binge drinking on at least one occasion in the past 2 weeks.  While they may not be drinking on a daily basis, the dangers of binge drinking are just a severe.  Given the ages that binge drinking is most prevalent, it should be stated that the legal drinking age in the United States is still 21.

Some Of The Common Dangers Of Binge Drinking

The consequences of binge drinking can be severe.  While many people will have no real consequence of this type of behavior, there are several things to consider, and additional consequences that may not be apparent.

• Higher potential for alcohol poisoning, which can be fatal.
• Unintended sexual contact, which can lead to pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, date rape, rape, sexual assault, or emotional distress caused by unintentional sexual contact while inebriated.
• Nausea, vomiting, seizures, and loss of consciousness, including the risk of asphyxiation on vomit or other fluids.
• In the long-term, stomach ulcers, liver issues, heart disease, neurological issues, and kidney disorders can develop.
• Potential for drug experimentation. 
• Increased chance of accidental injury from falls, fires, drowning, and other accidents.
• Increased rate of drunk driving, which can lead to both legal problems, injury, or death.
• Legal issues stemming from public intoxication, underage drinking, or contributing to a minor.

Alcohol Poisoning

Alcohol poisoning is one of the most immediate dangers of binge drinking.  The body can only process so much alcohol in a period of time, and binge drinking tends to put more alcohol in a person's system than they can handle at any one given time.  Alcohol is considered a poison by many, and enough can cause serious physical effects.  It can be fatal.  Some of the symptoms can include;

• Unconsciousness
• Irregular breathing
• Confusion
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Hypothermia

Alcohol may not effect everyone who drinks, since every person's tolerance is different.  Tolerance his highly dependent upon a person's weight, height, sex, and the amount of alcohol they've had in their system previously.  Alcohol poisoning does require medical attention, so if you believe someone around you has alcohol poisoning, you should contact emergency medical services.

Preventing Binge Drinking

Binge drinking is most prevalent in minors, so it is key that parents do not condone alcohol consumption by their children.  The legal age for drinking in the United States is still 21, and with this, parents would be held legally responsible should something happen to them.  Although several parents who have allowed children to drink have not had a single incident, it only takes one for both legal repercussions and potential health risks to develop, especially if you allow your children's friends to drink.  It is also important to discuss the dangers of binge drinking with your children.  If they can understand the risks they are taking by engaging in this activity, it may stop them from doing it. 

It is also important that you keep an eye on friends and family who are of age.  Anyone can binge drink, and just because they are of age does not make it any safer.  If you believe a friend or family member may have an alcohol problem, it is important to get them help.  Their life may depend on it.

The Risk Of Alcoholism

Binge drinking at an early age increases the likelihood that teenagers will turn into alcoholics.  Close to a third of all people who binge drink in high school or college will develop alcoholic symptoms in adulthood.  Alcoholism is a very dangerous condition where the body becomes dependent on the substance, and actions and activities the person conducts can become more dangerous.  Alcoholics are more likely to operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated, engage in aggressive or violent behavior, engage in riskier behavior, and have a higher chance of drastic lifestyle changes due to drinking.  Marriages and relationships have ended, parents have lost children, and many have died because of alcoholism, so it is best to help prevent this condition from developing well before it has a chance to.

In addition to some of the lifestyle changes that can occur, there are also several health risks associated with alcoholism.  Severe liver damage, heart disease, and an increased rate of cancer are some of the potential health risks associated with the disorder, in addition to the possibility of injury or death that can occur while a person is drinking.

The dangers of binge drinking are real.  If you or someone you know needs help with an alcohol problem, you can contact Alcoholics Anonymous through their website.