Alcohol is a big part of the culture. While it’s okay to partake in one or two drinks at a time, there has been a growing problem with excessive drinking and binging alcohol in recent years. Binge drinking is defined as five or more drinks for men, and four or more drinks for women, within a couple of hours of each other.

Regularly binging can lead to alcohol dependence (also known as alcohol abuse), which is why the month of April has been designated as Alcohol Awareness Month to help spread awareness about the dangers of binge drinking and alcohol abuse.

The Risks of Binge Drinking

Binging on alcohol is more common than you might think. In fact, it’s something that’s even encouraged among younger people, especially in college settings. It’s estimated that one out of every six Americans binges on alcohol and that 25% do so every week. Yet there are significant risks that people should know about when binging alcohol, including the following:

• Being injured as a result of falls, car accidents, and alcohol poisoning.
• Being involved in violence (including homicide, assault, and suicide).
• Developing chronic diseases, such as heart disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.
• Getting cancer due to excessive drinking over time.
• Developing memory and learning problems.

Signs of Alcohol Abuse

The following signs could indicate someone is struggling with alcohol abuse:

• Frequent blackouts or memory lapses
• Engaging in dangerous activities while under the influence of alcohol
• Inability to remember how much they drank
• Cravings for alcohol, which can cause them to drink more than they intended
• Regularly drinking to cope with stress, anxiety, or other emotions
• Making excuses for their drinking habits and lying about them if necessary
• Going into withdrawal if they don’t drink
• Developing a high tolerance for alcohol and needing to drink more in order to achieve the same effects

Avoid Alcohol Binging

Binge drinking can be incredibly dangerous. If you or someone you know is suffering from alcohol abuse in California, it’s important to seek help immediately. For more health awareness information, visit us at The Benefits Store today.