Binge drinking is far more serious than many may realize. Approximately 25% of adults in the United States report engaging in binge drinking, and binge drinking is responsible for over 40% of alcohol-related deaths.
Whether you’ve experienced it yourself or noticed it in a friend, it helps to understand what drives binge drinking and how to seek support. In this blog, we’ll explore what binge drinking is, why people do it, its psychological impact, and how to get help.
What is binge drinking?
Binge drinking refers to consuming alcohol in a pattern that results in a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher within a short period. That often translates to five or more drinks for men and four or more for women in one session.
This pattern of heavy episodic drinking differs from regular social drinking. It’s about quantity and speed. A single binge episode might not be cause for alarm, but recurring episodes pose serious health and psychological risks.
Why do people binge drink?
There is no single reason why people binge drink. Often, it’s a mix of social and emotional factors, including:
- Social pressure: Wanting to “fit in,” feel relaxed, or experience heightened joy in social settings is common, especially among younger adults.
- Emotional escape: Some use binge drinking to cope with stress, anxiety, loneliness, or to forget their problems for a while.
- Celebrations or special events: Holidays, college parties, weddings, or other milestones may promote excessive drinking.
- Accessibility of alcohol: Easy access in certain environments, like college campuses, can fuel binge drinking behavior.
- Underlying mental health issues: People managing undiagnosed or untreated mental health conditions may turn to alcohol for short-term relief.
In addition, studies have found that binge drinking is more common in men than in women. Research states that men are twice as likely to binge drink compared to women.
The psychological effects of alcohol abuse
While occasional binge drinking may seem harmless, repeated episodes can cause psychological and physical harm. Effects of alcohol abuse include:
- Impaired judgment, attention, and problem-solving
- Memory lapses
- Increased impulsivity and emotional dysregulation
- Changes in mood
- Depression or anxiety
Connection to alcoholism
While binge drinking is not synonymous with alcoholism, frequent binge patterns increase the risk of alcoholism. As tolerance builds, one may drink more to achieve the same feeling from before. This can lead to a sense of losing control and potential dependency. Alcoholics often report social isolation and emotional damage to relationships as a result of their drinking behavior.
Signs you may need support
Here are signs you may benefit from support for binge drinking:
- You routinely find yourself under the influence in risky situations
- You frequently drink more than intended
- You regret the actions you took while drinking
- You feel like you need alcohol to socialize or feel normal
- You have loved ones who have expressed concern over your drinking habits
- You have exhibited tolerance or withdrawal symptoms
Getting help for binge drinking
Recognizing the problem is the first step, and it’s something many people struggle to do because of shame or stigma. However, help is available.
- Talk with a friend or family member: You don’t have to go through this journey alone.
- Consider moderation strategies: For some, reducing frequency or amount rather than complete abstinence may make it a more achievable goal.
- Group support programs: Consider groups such as SMART Recovery or local support meetings nearby.
- See a licensed therapist: Many mental health professionals specialize in alcohol-related concerns, including binge drinking.
Resources for binge drinking
If you or a loved one is living with alcoholism or binge drinking, here are a few resources to explore:
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): The NIAAA offers information, self-assessment tools, and treatment locators.
- SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator: This tool is a free online database of nearby treatment programs.
- Educational materials: Consider books on alcohol recovery and mindful drinking. NIAAA’s “Rethinking Drinking” is a widely recommended resource.
- Therapy resources: Many therapists specialize in areas like alcohol use disorder, binge drinking, and other alcohol-related concerns. At findmytherapist.com, you can browse therapists by specialty and schedule your first appointment directly online.
Takeaway
Breaking the cycle of binge drinking is possible. It starts with understanding, self-compassion, and a willingness to seek help.