“Because the blood level of the alcohol becomes much higher with binge drinking, you’re much more exposed to the acute toxicity of alcohol,” Dr. Streem explains. The 2015 study results showed Americans were consuming about seven drinks during each episode of binge drinking. And a more recent 2021 study showed that binge drinkers are more likely to also abuse other substances, such as the misuse of prescription drugs. Additional protective strategies include setting a drink limit and planning transportation in advance. Avoid mixing alcohol with medications or other substances is also important, as combinations can increase overdose risks of overdose, blackouts or severe medical complications.

Consequences of Alcohol Misuse in College

• Data suggest that even one episode of binge drinking can compromise function of the immune system and lead to acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) in individuals with underlying pancreatic damage.
• It’s important to note that heavy alcohol consumption can lead to more frequent and severe depressive episodes for those already experiencing depression.
• Binge drinking can lead to several co-occurring mental health conditions.
• Alcohol abuse can affect brain structure development, so people who start binge drinking as teens or young adults may experience issues with learning and concentrating.
• Excessive drinking is also bad for the cardiovascular system, leading to increased risk of heart attack, high blood pressure, and irregular heartbeat.

This is of particular concern when you’re taking binge drinking effects certain medications that also depress the brain’s function. People who are heavily intoxicated are a danger to themselves and others. They cannot be trusted to care for their own needs or well-being and should not be left responsible for children or others. People who are intoxicated may drink enough alcohol to poison them without realizing it. The lowest rates of binge drinking are seen among adults aged 65 and older, and the highest prevalence is seen in the age ranges of and 25-34.

• Binge drinking is a pattern of drinking alcohol that makes you drunk in a short amount of time, bringing your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08% or higher.
• People who engage in this behavior often experience severe emotional distress, which can lead to the development of alcohol use disorder, also known as alcoholism 2.
• Over time, repeated binge drinking can progress to alcohol use disorder (AUD), a chronic relapsing condition marked by a loss of control over drinking and physical dependence.
• When we are under the influence of alcohol, we suffer from impaired cognitive skills, making us more likely to injure ourselves.

What are the symptoms of binge drinking?

As you start to prioritize your alcohol use, it can have a negative effect on your work, school, or social life. You might try cutting back on your drinking but find that you suffer headaches, fatigue, anxiety, or irritability on the days when you marijuana addiction don’t drink. Although drinking this much might not seem like a big deal in the moment, you may regret your choices later. You might struggle with the immediate physical consequences—headache, nausea, weakness, poor sleep quality.

Depression and Alcoholism

We are glad to offer a free telephone assessment so we are able to assess your needs. This helps us recommend suitable addiction treatment services that is mostly likely to offer you the maximum benefits. Additionally, anyone who feels they are not able to gain control of their drinking might consider the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline. Following these guidelines will reduce the potential effects that alcohol has on your health.

Alcohol Use and Your Health

While binge drinking involves consuming a lot of alcohol over a short period of time, alcoholism is a physical and psychological dependence on alcohol that means you’re unable to function without drinking. Only about 10 percent of people who binge drink struggle with a dependence on alcohol. However, the more frequently you binge drink, the more at risk you are of developing an alcohol abuse problem. Some binge drinkers only drink once a week; others even less frequently. In fact, abstaining from alcohol between sessions of excessive alcohol consumption is a key characteristic of binge drinking.