For most adults, drinking alcohol is often done socially. However, not everyone practices moderation. A considerable number have admitted to binge drinking at least once in a single given year. Many might not know that even one binge-drinking episode can have significant and lasting risks to their well-being. This post seeks to highlight the several dangers of binging on alcohol and the addiction treatment options offered at Blueprint Recovery Center.
What Is Binge Drinking?
Binge drinking is defined as the consumption of large amounts of alcohol in a single and brief period, typically two hours. While some do this sparingly, others binge more regularly. Those that do so are at risk of developing an alcohol addiction from such concentrated levels of alcohol abuse.
What Are The Dangers Of Binge Drinking?
As you drink, your liver breaks down most of the alcohol absorbed into your blood, usually taking an hour to break down one standard drink. Consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period results in a high blood alcohol content (BAC) level. The higher your BAC level, the more pronounced the effects of the alcohol will be.
Several studies show that even a single episode of massive alcohol consumption can significantly affect your body for the short and long-term. It is crucial to know the dangers you could be exposing your body to. Knowing the effects of binge drinking will also help you understand the link between it and alcohol addiction.
Alcohol not only affects your coordination but affects your judgment as well. Because of this, consuming excessive amounts of alcohol increases the risks of injuries and even death. On top of that, such alcohol consumption also affects your body’s healing ability from the injuries that might occur.
Short term effects can include:
- Irregular heartbeat or high blood pressure
- Dehydration and significantly low levels of vital minerals like potassium or sodium
- Issues with the gag reflex, which could result in saliva or vomit entering the lungs, causing inflammation and possible infection
- Potential for hypoglycemia
Long-Lasting Impacts Of Binge Drinking
If someone only binge drinks once or twice in their life, most of these short-term effects dissipate over time. However, if done more regularly, these effects could cause lasting damage. For instance, regular alcohol abuse has been known to increase the risks of developing several cancers like cancer of the throat, mouth, liver, colon, rectum, and voice box. In women, such levels of frequent alcohol consumption increase the chances of breast cancer.
Other long-term effects include the development of liver diseases such as cirrhosis. It also increases the risks of heart failure. It could also cause anemia, suppressed immune system, osteoporosis, which affects bone formation due to improper absorption of calcium, reduced fertility, and malnutrition.
Besides developing an alcohol addiction, regularly binging also puts you at higher risks of developing psychosis, anxiety, and depression. The lasting effect it has on the brain and the nervous system is also well documented. Massive alcohol abuse can impair balance and coordination, cause dementia, and increase the risk of stroke.
Do You Need Treatment? Learn More at Blueprint Recovery
Binge drinking could point to the possible existence of alcohol addiction and could be the start of a substance abuse pattern. If that is the case, then seeking treatment becomes crucial. Some of the possible treatment options you might want to consider include:
If you, a close friend, or a family member is currently suffering from alcohol addiction, get in touch with Blueprint Recovery Center. We are committed to creating a treatment plan that will provide you with the tools needed to maintain your sobriety and transform your life. Call Blueprint Recovery Center at 833.654.1004 to begin healing from the harmful effects of binge drinking today.
