Binge drinking used to mean heavy drinking over several days. Now, however, the term refers to heavy consumption over a short period of time. According to kidshealth.org, the generally accepted definition of binge drinking in the united states is the consumption of 5 or more drinks in a row for men and 4 or more drinks in a row for a women.So why do people want to drink? Television and other ads portray drinking as fun and a way to relax. But what they don't tell you is that the next morning you are sick and throwing up from a hangover or that alcohol is a depressant and and will not help you relax.
The population of people who binge drink mainly comprises young adults aged 18–29, although it is by no means rare among older adults. For example, in 2007 (using a 5-drinks definition per occasion for both genders), 42% of 18-25 year olds "binged" at least once a month, while 20% of 16-17 year olds and 19% of those over age 35 did so. The peak age is 21. Prevalence varies widely by region, with the highest rates being in the North Central states. The annual Monitoring the Future survey found that, in 2007, 10% of 8th graders, 22% of 10th graders, and 26% of 12th graders report having had five or more drinks at least once in the past two weeks.
When a young person drinks they are risking the development of their brain and most suffer from memory loss clear into adulthood. Binge drinking does not only hurt the drinker but it hurts everyone they meet to. For instance the other driver they hit on the way home from the bar, or the little girl who is at home scared cause she has no idea why her mother or father is sick and passed put on the couch. So is binge drinking really worth hurting your body as well as everyone else around you?
If you or someone you know has a problem with binge drinking please do not just ingnore it. Get help today you can fill out the form to the right or call 1-888-829-3133 and one of our trained counselors would be happy to speak to you about the many options available to stop drinking.