Madeira Beach, FL – Recently, Tranquil Shores released a new educational piece on the topic of binge drinking. Based out of Tampa and with facilities across the region, these advanced specialists are experts in both addiction treatment and education.
“Binge drinking refers to consuming alcohol at a rapid rate in one sitting. While most binge drinking occurs in bar or club settings, it can be done at home or a friend’s as well. Teens, young adults, older adults, men, and women are all capable of binge drinking, regardless of ethnicity and financial status,” the article begins.
It quotes the CDC as defining binge drinking as “5 or more drinks in one sitting for males, and 4 or more drinks in one sitting for females”. This can be more than enough for blood alcohol content (BAC) to surpass legal limits in only a few hours. Teens and adolescents can reach these levels with even less alcohol, quickly going to dangerous levels.
Negative symptoms can begin almost immediately, with nausea and vomiting. This is a sign of the body responding to high levels of alcohol, treating it as a toxin. The liver can only process so much, and will attempt to get rid of it.
Other side effects of binge drinking can include memory issues. Alcohol can prevent new memories from being stormed into long-term memory, resulting in what is commonly known as blackouts. These memory problems can become long term if binge drinking remains excessive.
One of the greatest risks can be alcohol poisoning, where vital systems shut down in response to the toxic levels of alcohol. Breathing and heart rate can slow, in some cases stopping completely. If signs of alcohol poisoning are present, seek immediate medical help.
Some may ask how common binge drinking actually is. “1 in 6 adults in the United States binge drinks, and 25% partake weekly,” the article says. “In 2022, it was reported that around 61 million US residents aged 12 and older participated in binge drinking within the previous 30 days. The most common ages seen with binge drinking are those between 18-34, and it is more common for men to binge drink than women. In other words, binge drinking is relatively common throughout the country, especially in recent years.”
Due to the prevalence of alcohol, binge drinking can be overlooked as the behavioral health condition it is. When drinking is seen as a part of culture, many don’t understand the risks they take on by consuming so much so quickly. This can result in addictive patterns forming without the individual’s awareness or concern.
While binge drinking does not necessarily signal an alcohol use disorder, in many cases, it can lead to one. Binge drinking increases alcohol consumption, which results in the body developing a tolerance to alcohol. As tolerance increases, the individual requires more and more alcohol to feel the same effects as before. This can lead to a cycle where cravings for alcohol lead to more drinking, which lead to higher tolerance, which leads to even further cravings. These are signs that an alcohol use disorder may be developing.
While binge drinking may be common, it can be important to remember that the effects are still dangerous. The article concludes by stressing that help is available, and that seeking professional assistance is an important step toward remaining safe.
Tranquil Shores offers clinically advanced alcohol addiction centers across the Tampa region. Their clinically-advanced staff uses evidence-based therapies, such as accelerated resolution therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, experiential, trauma-informed, and gender-specific treatments. To learn more about Tranquil Shores, reach them today at 1-727-591-4119, or visit their website.
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For more information about Tranquil Shores - Tampa, contact the company here:
Tranquil Shores - Tampa
Stacey Regan
727-391-7001
s.regan@tranquilshores.org
2202 N Westshore Blvd
Tampa, FL 33607
