How to Stop Binge Drinking
Are you drinking too much alcohol? Do you know of someone who is? If that’s the case, then it’s time to that you do something about it. Did you know that the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that “about 90% of the alcohol consumed by youth under the age of 21 in the United States is in the form of binge drinks?” However, it’s not just the youth that is affected by this social ill. The CDC also found that “more than half of the alcohol consumed by adults in the United States is in the form of binge drinks.” These statistics are alarming not just in the US but all around the world as well. Luckily for you with the right guidance, education and medical help, there is hope. It’s important that everyone knows the dangers of it, that’s why in this article; we’ll tell you how to stop binge drinking. First, let’s find out what it is.
What is Binge Drinking?
Binge drinking can be defined as consuming heavy amounts of alcohol in a relatively short period of time to become drunk or feel the effects of this narcotic substance. This harmful form of drinking can cause various health and safety risks and if this pattern is continued over a long period of time, it can seriously damage important bodily organs such as the liver. It may also even lead to alcoholism, which is a physical and mental dependency to use alcohol. However, the binge drinking limit is dependent on your gender. In fact, the NIAAA states that “for women, this usually occurs after about 4 drinks and for men, after about 5.”
For more information about binge drinking, click here:
http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/moderate-binge-drinking
Are You A Binge Drinker?
If you are wondering if you or a loved one could be a binge drinker, answer these 3 questions:
1. Do you or a loved one drink alcohol with the sole purpose to get drunk?
2. Do you or your loved one drink more than the binge drinking limit mentioned above?
3. Do you or your loved one find it hard to stop drinking alcohol after starting?
If you answered yes, then it’s clear that there is a problem that needs urgent attention. Please note that even if you or your loved one doesn’t drink every day, you or they could still be a binge drinker!
How to Avoid Binge Drinking
Take it Slow
Since binge drinking is known as the excessive drinking of alcohol in a short period of time, a simple way to stop is to slow down! For example, try not to drink more than one alcoholic drink every hour and nothing exceeding 4 drinks per event. Swap your drinks with non-alcoholic drinks and instead of slurping them down, sip rather. Eating food is a great way to avoid binge drinking, as it absorbs some of the alcohol being consumed.
Limit Finances
Another good way to prevent binge drinking is by limiting the amount of money you have on you. In fact, leave any credit cards at home. This will help to curb the amount of alcohol that will be consumed.
Stay Active
Scared of being the party pooper? People that are most inclined to drink at social events are usually the ones that are not participating in any activities. Find other activities to keep yourself busy. Dance, talk to a friend or play a game, just do anything that takes the focus away from alcohol and binge drinking.
Keep Peer Pressure at Bay
If you have friends that drink heavy amounts of alcohol, then there’s a good chance that they will force you to drink that much as well. When they see that you’re not binge drinking with them, they will begin to think that you’re not having a good time. Remember, it’s your life and you make your own choices. Tell them that you are enjoying yourself with the small amounts of alcohol you’re drinking and that you are aware that you have to look after yourself.
If they don’t like the fact that you’re sober, tough. Then it’s clear that they aren’t your real friends after all.
Call Us Now
Please note that we are in no way condoning any form of drinking alcohol. In fact, we urge people to avoid it as the short & long term health and social effects are irreparable. If you or a loved one has a binge drinking problem, we urge you to call us for quality, confidential and professional help. We provide access into the best private alcohol rehabilitation centres in South Africa, the United Kingdom and Thailand. Call us now and let one of our qualified addiction counsellors find the best treatment available for you or your loved one.
http://www.drinkaware.co.uk/facts/binge-drinking
http://www.livestrong.com/article/10297-stop-binge-drinking/
http://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Binge-Drinking