Binge drinking is a significant problem in the United States. From young adolescents to adults, the number of people who participate in this practice is high. In fact, according to the CDC, one in six adults engage in binge drinking approximately four times per month. Young people are susceptible to binge drinking, too. Young adults often gulp while drinking, which leads to drinking an excessive amount at one time. When excessive amounts of alcohol are consumed, it leads to binge drinking. If you are a parent concerned about your teen, it’s critical to know the signs of binge drinking so you can help.Â
What is Binge Drinking?
Some people may be unfamiliar with the term binge drinking. Binge drinking occurs when an individual consumes a large amount of alcohol in a short amount of time. Someone is considered to be binge drinking when their blood alcohol content is at 0.08 percent. However, people may simply think they are “having a good time drinking.” Studies show that for men, it takes about five drinks in a two-hour timeframe to get the blood alcohol content to that number, and for women, it’s four drinks over the same two-hour period. However, when teens are involved, the number of drinks required to reach that blood alcohol content may be even lower. Everyone metabolizes alcohol differently, so the amount may vary from person to person. Also, if the individual has a long history of drinking alcohol, their body may have developed a tolerance and they may need to consume more alcoholic beverages before feeling the effects. The signs of binge drinking, however, is similar no matter how many drinks it takes to get there.
What Are The Signs Of Binge Drinking?
There are some immediate warning signs of binge drinking, some of which include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Unusual behavior
- Stumbling or falling over
- Passing out or losing consciousness
- Potential alcohol poisoning
However, if the signs of binge drinking are not recognized and addressed, individuals may suffer long-term consequences, which may include:
- Memory loss due to regular black-outs (black-outs can be partial or total)
- Blood pressure spikes
- Heart problems
- Different types of cancer (lung, mouth, breast, and more)
- Liver disease
- Stroke
Some of the signs of binge drinking are psychological or emotional. These include a person feeling like they cannot go without drinking. The person may become tolerant to alcohol and begin drinking larger quantities. Or the person makes binge drinking part of their daily routine. You may recognize the signs of binge drinking in yourself or someone you love; if so, adolescent alcohol addiction treatment is available and can help you get on the right path toward healing.
Adolescent Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Destinations For Teens
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol use, there is hope. Destination for Teens is a place where you and your loved one can find the path to recovery. We understand how alcohol abuse affects the whole family, and our programs are designed with that in mind. We offer a variety of evidence-based therapy and treatment options. Some of our teen treatment programs include:
- Residential treatment program
- Partial hospitalization program
- Outpatient treatment program
- Intensive outpatient treatment program
When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by our compassionate team of professional caregivers. They will ensure you find the best program for your unique needs. Don’t let alcohol abuse damage your body and life. Now that you know the signs of binge drinking, you can overcome this problem by seeking treatment at one of our quality teen treatment centers. To learn more, contact Destinations for Teens today at 877.466.0620. Citations Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Binge Drinking, https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/binge-drinking.htm