Facts About the Dangers of Binge Drinking – The weather is warming up, meaning more of us will be going out on the town with the Winter Blues a distant memory! The increased traffic also means more opportunities for social drinkers to turn into binge drinkers. Learn more about the dangers of binge drinking right here on Newsymom!
This is Public Health is brought to you in partnership with the Tuscarawas County Health Department.
Alright, mamas, let’s talk about something really important. (And please recruit your own kiddos for this discussion.) We are entering the beautiful spring season, and as the weather warms up, the opportunities for social interaction go up as well, leading to more chances to engage in social drinking that can later turn into binge drinking.
What is binge drinking?
Binge drinking is when you drink a lot of alcohol in a short amount of time with the goal of getting drunk. This is a common behavior among young people, college students, and bachelor/bachelorette parties, but it can have serious consequences. Alcohol poisoning, damage to bodily functions, and more can happen when you consume lots of alcohol in a short period of time.
What’s alcohol poisoning?
One of the biggest risks of binge drinking is alcohol poisoning. This happens when the amount of alcohol in your body becomes toxic, and it can be deadly. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include vomiting, confusion, seizures, and slow breathing. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical help immediately.
What else does binge drinking affect?
Binge drinking can also damage your liver, which is responsible for filtering toxins out of your body, including alcohol. When you binge drink, your liver has to work extra hard to remove the excess alcohol from your system. Over time, this can lead to liver damage or even liver failure. This is a serious issue that can even lead to liver cancer.
Drinking too much can also affect your brain, which is why you might feel a little fuzzy or forgetful when you’re drunk. Over time, binge drinking can cause permanent damage to your brain, which can lead to problems with learning, memory, and decision-making. Especially with young people and women, being drunk and having impaired critical thinking skills also means you become an easier target for sexual predators.
Don’t Drink and Drive, Period.
Other risks of binge drinking are accidents and injuries. When you’re drunk, your reflexes and coordination are impaired, making it more likely that you’ll fall or get into a car accident. In addition, drinking too much can make you more likely to engage in violent behavior, like fighting or sexual assault.
Finally, binge drinking can also take a toll on your mental health. Drinking too much can make depression and anxiety worse, and it can lead to social isolation, relationship problems, and financial difficulties. Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it slows down your central nervous system.
Save This Info on Your Phone Later – You Don’t Know Who Might Need It!
If you or someone you know is struggling with binge drinking, it’s important to reach out for help. Here in Tuscarawas County, we can use the HOPE line for those who are struggling with alcohol or substance abuse and addiction. That number to call is (330) 663-6812. Save it and share it!
The Tuscarawas County Health Department wants everyone in Tuscarawas County to remain safe and sound! To check in on your health, give them a ring at (330) 343-5555 x. 1000 to check in on your health with physicals, vaccines, and more. You can also visit them at www.tchdnow.org to see what other services they offer to keep you and your family safe.
Follow along on Facebook (@tchdnow) for the latest news and safety tips to keep your family safe this spring season!
Melissa Klatt
Reporting
