Binge drinking refers to the heavy consumption of alcohol over a short period of time. The generally accepted definition of binge drinking is the consumption of five or more drinks in a row by men _ or four or more drinks in a row by women _ at least once in a 2-week period. Heavy binge drinking includes three or more such episodes in 2 weeks.
College students are more likely than other people the same age to binge drink. There are several reasons why some students binge drink. Being away from home and parental supervision for the first time, some students might think drinking is an expression of newfound freedom _ even a sign of adulthood. Some students also use alcohol in an attempt to relieve stress and help them adjust to their new life.
Students may drink to fit in, too. On some college campuses, fraternities, sororities, and athletes set the social culture _ and drinking is often encouraged. To feel accepted by these groups, students may become part of the drinking culture.
Also, liquor stores, bars, and alcohol distributors make drinking seem attractive and fun. Although they claim to be advertising only to people of legal drinking age, sellers of alcohol aim much of their advertising and promotional campaigns at students of all ages, particularly in college towns.
Besides hangovers and not enough sleep, binge drinking can lead to missed classes, difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, mood changes, and other problems that affect your day-to-day life.Longer-lasting risks include:
ALCOHOL POISONING This is the most immediate and life-threatening consequence of binge drinking. Alcohol poisoning happens when so much alcohol is consumed that the body’s involuntary reflexes (like breathing and the gag reflex) are affected. If the gag reflex isn’t working, a person who throws up risks choking to death on the vomit. Signs of alcohol poisoning can include extreme confusion or the inability to be awakened. Other symptoms include vomiting, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, low body temperature, and bluish or pale skin.
If you suspect someone has alcohol poisoning, seek help immediately by dialing 911. A person who has alcohol poisoning is in danger of dying or sustaining permanentbrain damage.
IMPAIRED JUDGMENTBinge drinking impairs judgment, and drinkers are more likely to become drunk drivers and injure themselves or others (more than half of all fatal motor vehicle accidents of adults between 18 and 24 involve alcohol).
Risky sexual behavior can also have a lasting impact on students’ lives. They may contract AIDS or another sexually transmitted disease from an unplanned and unprotected sexual encounter. Binge drinkers are also more likely than other people to be involved in aggressive behavior, including date rape and sexual assault.
INJURY People whose judgment is impaired by alcohol are more liable to participate in minor vandalism or get hurt because they do things they wouldn’t do when sober.
PERSONAL PROBLEMSBinge drinkers are more likely to drop out. Drinking disrupts sleep patterns, which in turn makes it harder to stay awake and concentrate during the day. Binge drinkers may also be at higher risk for depression and other mental health issues. And, excessive weight gain can be a bigger problem among those who drink heavily.
ALCOHOLISMThis is a lifetime problem with serious health consequences, including an increased risk of liver disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
People with symptoms of alcoholism may: have a strong craving for alcohol, be unable to stop drinking once they begin, become nauseated, shaky, sweaty, or anxious if they go without drinking, need to drink larger and larger amounts of alcohol to feel good.
IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE APROBLEMMost colleges offer counseling services for students who have drinking problems. Counseling can provide students with insight into why they are drinking and help them find better ways to cope with the academic and social stresses of college life. Support groups may also help students who are trying to stop drinking.
Don’t be concerned that word of your drinking will be shared with parents, professors, or college administrators. Services you receive at the campus counseling center are covered under medical privacy laws, and your records may not be released without your written consent.