People often describe binge drinking as consuming large amounts of alcohol. However, there’s a specific binge drinking definition. Young adults should know exactly how much alcohol consumption fits that definition. This can help pinpoint a problem and aid in recovery.
The Binge Drinking Definition
The true binge drinking definition involves drinking in excess to become inebriated. Binge drinking goes beyond just a social drink with friends or a celebratory toast at a wedding. Typically, binge drinkers are actively trying to get drunk.
Although millions of Americans binge drink regularly, it’s an especially big problem for young adults.
Binge Drinking by the Numbers
In many ways, binge drinking involves a pattern of behavior and mentality more than a strict formula. Also, tolerance is different for everyone. A man who weighs 300 pounds may not be binge drinking even after several beers. A woman weighing 110 pounds, however, could be actively trying to get drunk after just two glasses of wine.
There are set guidelines to determine whether or not a person is binge drinking. For men, that formula is five or more alcoholic drinks within two hours. For women, the formula for binge drinking is four or more alcoholic drinks within two hours.
However, many beverages mixed at home or served in a bar contain far more alcohol than you might expect. For example, a glass of wine at home will likely have far more than five ounces, which is a standard glass and a single unit of alcohol. So a woman who drinks three large wine glasses may have already crossed over into binge-drinking territory.
Why Young Adults Turn to Binge Drinking
It’s no secret that binge drinking is dangerous. So, why do so many young people still do it? While there are various factors at play, some of the most common include peer pressure, mental illness, a lack of confidence and the inability to gauge inebriation.
Risks of Binge Drinking
Binge drinking isn’t just a way to unwind, nor should it be a typical part of the college experience. Binge drinking has serious risks, some of which include experiencing a fatal overdose, worsening mental health conditions, engaging in risky behaviors and developing an alcohol addiction.
Helping Young Adults Recover From Binge Drinking
If you believe that a young adult in your life fits the binge drinking definition, understand that it doesn’t have to be a life sentence. Even if binge drinking has already led to addiction, young adults can seek high-quality treatment and turn their lives around. The recovery process begins with detox, which breaks the physical and chemical dependence on alcohol. Then, rehab can lay the foundation for lasting sobriety.
Some of the therapies and substance abuse programs that can aid in binge drinking recovery may include:
- 24/7 medical care and supervision
- Dual diagnosis or trauma therapy
- Clinical care including individual and group counseling
- Holistic care
- Experiential therapy
Binge drinking is definitely dangerous, and it can lead to lifelong health and addiction problems. At Ashley Addiction Treatment in Havre de Grace, Maryland, our Young Adult Program can finally break your loved one’s ties to alcohol and addiction. Call 866-313-6307 to plan out your route to recovery.