Binge drinking is a common but dangerous form of excessive alcohol consumption. It is defined by drinking a large amount of alcohol in a short time. This behavior can have serious consequences on both physical and mental health. In this article, we’ll explore what defines binge drinking, how it compares to alcoholism, the effects and dangers, and ways to stop.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines binge drinking as a pattern of drinking alcohol that brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08% or higher.
This typically means consuming five or more standard drinks within about two hours for men. For women, it’s four or more drinks in the same period. A standard drink contains about 14 grams of pure alcohol, which can be found in a 12-ounce beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits.
However, the amount of alcohol needed to reach a BAC of 0.08% can vary based on factors like weight, age, and how fast the person drinks. A binge drinker does not necessarily drink every day, but when they do, they consume large amounts quickly.
The effects of binge drinking can be immediate and long-lasting. In the short term, it can lead to symptoms such as:
In the long term, frequent binge drinking can cause:
The health effects and dangers of binge drinking can be severe, and the more often someone binge drinks, the higher their increased risk of long-term damage.
Binge drinking and alcoholism are related but not the same. Alcohol use disorder (AUD), also known as alcohol addiction, is a chronic disease where a person cannot control their drinking and continues to drink despite negative consequences. AUD often involves both physical dependence and an inability to stop drinking.
A binge drinker, on the other hand, may drink heavily on occasion but does not have the same compulsive need to drink as someone with alcohol dependence. Binge drinking can still be harmful, and for some, it can lead to the development of alcohol addiction over time.
The main difference between binge drinking and alcohol addiction lies in the frequency and control over drinking.
A binge drinker may go days or weeks without alcohol, but when they do drink, they consume an excessive amount of alcohol in a short time. In contrast, a person with alcohol use disorder typically drinks more frequently and struggles to control their alcohol consumption.
Although binge drinking may not involve daily drinking, it still increases the risk of long-term health issues. Over time, binge drinking can lead to the development of liver disease, heart problems, and even mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
If you recognize signs of excessive drinking, there are steps you can take to reduce or stop this behavior. Here are some strategies to help:
Stopping binge drinking can significantly improve your health and quality of life. It also reduces your risk of developing long-term health issues.
Binge drinking is a dangerous form of excessive alcohol consumption that can lead to serious health problems and increase the risk of alcohol addiction. Although it is not the same as alcohol dependence, binge drinking can still have long-term consequences.
If you or someone you know struggles with binge drinking or alcohol use disorder, it’s important to seek help. Our Scottsdale rehab and treatment facilities are committed to helping people overcome addiction.
Our compassionate and professional staff provides unique and tailored treatment plans for each client. Contact our team today and get the help and support you deserve to achieve a lasting recovery.
