One out of every six people binge drinks up to four times a month, according to the Centers For Disease Control And Prevention. During these binges, a person will consume approximately seven beverages. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, binge drinking is when a person brings their blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) to a percentage of 0.08 or higher. At this level, the body is at risk for health issues and safety concerns. Knowing the signs of binge drinking is essential. It allows you to recognize if there is a problem with your consumption to remedy.
The Risks Of Binge Drinking
While binge drinkers may not be alcoholic dependents, there are still risks that come into play. Someone with signs of binge drinking on a routine basis may suffer from the following:
- Injuries such as car accidents, burns, falls, or poisoning from alcohol overuse
- Violent behavior
- Promiscuous behavior leading to sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy
- Memory loss or learning difficulties
- Chronic diseases including heart disease, liver disease, or high blood pressure
- Alcohol dependence
These risks often intensify as binge drinking continues. The frequency of binge drinking often increases over time as well. If this occurs, the possibility of alcohol dependence becomes higher. Binge drinking is often a precursor to addiction. For this reason, recognizing the signs of binge drinking is imperative to stop poor behavior before dependence.
Knowing The Signs Of Binge Drinking
There are several signs of binge drinking that indicate the need for slowing down or stopping alcohol consumption. If you or someone you know displays some of these signs, it is best to seek help. Some telltale signs of binge drinking include:
- Drinking in excess five or more days in a month
- Being daring when you are drunk, but reserved when you are sober
- Preparing for binge drinking by stocking up on alcohol right before you intend to consume it
- Participating in behavior that you wouldn’t normally partake in
- Not knowing what happened when you were out drinking
- Pattern drinking on weekends or your days off from work
- Letting responsibilities go because of your drinking
- Hearing from loved ones that they are worried about your behavior or the amount you are drinking
Binge drinking often starts slowly and escalates over time. It becomes more frequent. You consume more alcohol when you drink. When this happens, alcohol dependence is a concern.
Getting Help at Red Oak Recovery®
If you are concerned about yourself or someone else who displays signs of binge drinking, help is available. Red Oak Recovery® in Asheville, NC is a gender-separated treatment facility that helps young adults with addiction. Red Oak Recovery® focuses upon men within the 18-30 age category. Our treatment centers use a balance of clinical and adventure therapies to assist in alcohol or drug dependence recovery. Some of our programs include:
In addition, we offer several therapeutic processes to clients at our facilities. These include:
- Individual and group addiction therapy services
- Family Therapy
- 12-Step Group Participation
- Adventure-Based Therapy
- Hybrid-program with an outdoor wilderness focus
If you are worried about possible signs of binge drinking in yourself or someone you care for, and you live in the Asheville, NC or the surrounding area, contact Red Oak Recovery® to find out more about treatment options. Reach out to our facility by calling us at 866.457.7590 for further information.
