What is Binge Drinking?

What is binge drinking? The media and news outlets are continually covering stories about teens and college students that are involved in binge drinking. Unfortunately the consequences of binge drinking are often extremely dangerous, and sometimes deadly, for the ones who participate. While some teens and college students who drink, may do so in moderation, there are plenty who do not yet recognize their limits of alcohol use or want to keep up with their friends, giving in to peer pressure, which results in disastrous consequences. Keep reading to find out the answer to, what is binge drinking?

What is binge drinking?
The answer to the question, what is binge drinking is often defined as a common pattern of excessive alcohol consumption. This pattern of drinking that brings a person’s blood alcohol level above 0.08 percent. The average male can achieve this by drinking about 5 alcoholic drinks in a short period of time. The average woman can also reach this level by consuming about 4 alcoholic drinks in a short time period - about two hours. There is a misconception that those who binge drink are alcoholics or are alcohol dependent. However, while this may occasionally be the case, it is not the norm. The majority of those who partake in binge drinking activities are college age students. According to recent binge drinking statistics, about 90 percent of the alcohol consumed by teens and young adults under age 21 is in the form of binge drinking. Bringing up huge concerns about teen binge drinking.

Consequences of binge drinking:
When it comes to knowing the answer to the question, what is binge drinking and the facts about binge drinking consequences, it is important to know that there are many health problems that can result from binge drinking activities.

• Unintentional injuries can easily occur from falling, car crashes, burns, drowning and more while under the influence of alcohol after binge drinking.
• Intentional injuries also can occur while binge drinking including sexual assault, rape, domestic violence, other forms of violence, and harm from firearm injuries.
• Alcohol poisoning is a very serious and common consequence of binge drinking.
• Sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancy. Because alcohol inhibits behaviors and alters perception, those who drink, and more specifically binge drink, are more likely to participate in behaviors they wouldn’t normally participate in, like unprotected sex.
• Babies born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and other birth defects. Drinking alcohol while pregnant can cause serious health concerns and defects for the unborn baby. Lots of alcohol consumption during pregnancy can be detrimental and even deadly for the baby.
• High blood pressure, stroke, heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases can also occur as a result of binge drinking.
• Neurological damage.
• Sexual dysfunction.
• Lack of control over diabetes.

How to stop or control binge drinking:
One of the best ways to control teenage binge drinking is to understand the dangers of binge drinking and explain them to your child or teen. Make sure they know the risks involved with consuming too much alcohol. Many states are taking preventative measures by instituting laws and regulations to help control underage drinking, increasing alcohol beverage costs and taxes. Some areas also limit the number of restaurants and stores that can sell alcohol in a certain area. Many states are also ensuring the public school curriculum includes information about alcohol abuse and instruction to students about what binge drinking is, so that teens understand the risks involved.

Sources: cdc.gov