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SponsoredFor many people, drinking alcohol is not problematic. However, for some, alcohol can cause harm in all aspects of their daily life. This is especially true when a person engages in binge drinking.
Binge Drinking
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, binge drinking exists as the most common pattern of excessive alcohol use in America. Bingeing entails consuming large quantities of alcohol at a single setting. This practice increases the body’s blood alcohol concentration to dangerously high levels within a short period of time.
Dangers of Binge Drinking
1. Blackout Episodes
Alcohol is a depressant that disrupts the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain. This disruption leads to a slowing of the central nervous system. When a person binge drinks, their body is flooded with excess neurotransmitter chemicals, creating a rampant chemical imbalance in the brain and body.
In effect, the more alcohol a person consumes, the slower the body’s systems function. Blackout episodes result when brain functions slow to the point where a person loses consciousness or is no longer aware of their environment.
2. Health Problems
Over time, binge drinking practices take a considerable toll on the body, leading to health problems. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism, health problems resulting from binge drinking may include:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Stroke
- Liver disease
- High blood pressure
- Sexual dysfunction
- Neurological impairment
- Diabetes
3. Psychological Dysfunction
Excess alcohol use damages brain cells over time. These effects inevitably start to impair a person’s psychological health. Psychological impairments brought on by binge drinking include:
- Depression disorders
- Anxiety-based disorders
- Memory problems
- Confusion
- Learning difficulties
4. Alcohol Addiction
Chemical imbalances brought about by repeated episodes of binge drinking disrupt functions within the brain’s reward system. This reward system relies on stable levels of dopamine, one of the neurotransmitters affected by alcohol, to function normally.
Binge drinking can lead to the development of a tolerance to alcohol that creates of cycle of needing more and more to achieve the same pleasurable effects. Over time, this cycle leads to addiction. These changes account for why alcoholics continue to drink despite the negative consequences that result.
5. Alcohol Poisoning
Elevated blood-alcohol concentrations(BAC) have toxic effects on the body that lead to impaired normal body functions. High BAC can lead cause a low heart rate, slowed breathing, lowered core body temperature and an impaired gag reflex. Someone who binge drinks regularly runs a high risk of alcohol poisoning, overdose and even death.
Understanding the Stages of Alcoholism
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, millions of people in the United States suffer from a form of alcoholism. It is a growing problem, which requires treatment. Although the vast majority of people do not have a problem with alcohol, there are some that develop a variety of social, personal, and work related issues due to their alcohol use. It is always good to recognize when there is a problem before it begins to damage your life. The best way to know if you need treatment for alcoholism is to recognize the patterns of alcohol abuse….
Considerations
For some people, alcohol consumption is not a bad thing; however, serious health problems can arise when binge drinking practices become the norm rather than the exception. If you or someone you know has concerns about the effects of binge drinking and has questions about alcohol addiction or alcohol rehab treatment, please feel free to call our toll-free helpline at
800-948-8417
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