Binge Drinking Isn’t Independent of the 4th of July
As the 4th of July holiday quickly approaches, discussing the dangers of binge drinking is important. This extreme use of alcohol is when someone’s BAC reaches .08 or higher in a short period of time. This Blood Alcohol Content is reached easier than one would think; in men drinking 5+ alcoholic drinks and women drinking 4+ alcoholic drinks in approximately 2 hours is considered binge drinking.
Holiday seasons are a great time for parties and get together’s. During these extended weekends and time away from work, men and women alike are more susceptible to binge drinking. (source: niaaa) The Fourth of July fittingly ranks fourth on the list of which holidays are people more likely to binge drink.
Here’s how the holidays rank by consumption per person (source: alcohol.org)
- Mardi Gras: 4-5 drinks per person
- New Year’s Eve: 4+ drinks person
- St. Patrick’s Day: 4 drinks per person
- Fourth of July: 3-4 drinks per person
- Halloween: 3+ drinks per person
- Cinco de Mayo: 3+ drinks per person
- Memorial Day: 3 drinks per person
- Labor Day: 3 drinks per person
- Christmas Season: 3 drinks per person
- Thanksgiving: 2-3 drinks per person
Young adults are more likely to binge drink from ages 18-34 and men are twice as likely to binge drink than women (source: cdc). 90+ % of adults in the United States who over drink have reported binging on alcohol in the last thirty days.
Over time, physical health is a primary concern with conditions ranging from disease’s of the liver and heart, risks of stroke, hypertension and HBP. Cancerous diseases can also be developed in the chest and digestive track. The dangers of binge drinking are serious and affect more than just one’s physical health.
While drinking is a personal choice, over-drinking affects more than just the user. Once a high to severe intoxication level sets in, loss of motor skills and bodily functions often occur. This puts others, such as friends, family and colleagues into a weary situation as the person who is overly inebriated also has an impaired judgement. Often times blackouts occur and the binge drinker has no idea of the destruction that was caused from their alcohol filled escapade.
This loss of memory has severe consequences as there is also an increase in violent/harmful behavior as a result of over-consumption of alcohol. Car wrecks, domestic violence, sexual assault, murderous acts and suicidal tendencies are all potentially serious results from binging.
Awareness and information to better understand this heavy alcohol use can help educate us on how to prevent these drinking problems. An important tool is the Am I Alcoholic Screening Test. This quick survey will help you learn more about individual(s) drinking habits, while also getting you in touch with our staff.
Interventionists are also able to help communicate your fears of binge drinking to your loved one(s). Prescott House is dedicated to finding the best course of action to take whether that means setting up detox with follow up treatment, counseling or getting involved with 12 Step and support meeting to help resolve these drinking issues. Call us today at (866) 425-4673 to take action.
