Binge drinking occurs when individuals drink multiple drinks in a row for the purpose of getting incredibly drunk. In this way, binge drinking is different from alcoholism, due to the fact that most binge drinkers do not drink every day, but instead usually consume alcohol all at once during specific social outings. Binge drinking is a common practice by many adults in the United States, today, especially young adults. However, while it isn’t classified as alcoholism, there are notable dangers that are associated with binge drinking.
Causes Issues with Brain Development
Binge drinking is incredibly common amongst high school-aged teenagers and on college campuses. This is often seen as a common attribute of socialization, at that age, but it can have horrible side effects on people in this age group. This is because the brain is typically developing in a young adult until they reach the age of 25. When you introduce large quantities of alcohol consumption into this brain development, it can cause severe issues and hinder the brain’s ability to create pathways.
Can Lead to Increased Risk of Alcoholism
While binge drinking doesn’t necessitate alcoholism, it is something that alcoholics frequently do, and it is an activity that can lead to alcohol dependence, down the road. When a person feels like their ability to socialize is dependent on alcohol consumption, then they begin to associate the benefits of connection and friendship with alcohol. This type of association can lead to cravings that encourage further alcohol intake, which increases the risk that an individual develops alcoholism.
Increases the Risk of Injury
When people drink alcohol, their motor skills and ability to function are decreased, hence why we don’t allow drinking and driving. However, when people binge drink, the effects of alcohol can be so severe that the risk of personal injury or alcohol poisoning is drastically increased. Another reason that this risk is so heightened is due to the fact that binge drinkers will often mix different types of alcohol, which can increase the effects of alcohol.
