I Only Drink on the Weekends!

Do you catch yourself saying "I only drink on the weekends?" Would you consider yourself a binge drinker? This blog is not meant to scare you away from binge drinking, but to simply provide information on the mental and physical health risks of the habit. If you are drinking to fill the time or as part of a social "etiquette", perhaps it's time to fill the void with other activities like bike riding, hiking, homework, surfing lessons, or new friends.

Binge drinking is consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short period of time. Most experts believe that if you drink more than five alcoholic beverages when you are a male or four beverages or more if you are a female that you are considered as a binge drinker. However, it is possible to not get drunk when you have five drinks, depending on your weight, height, age and experience in drinking.

Binge drinking can be harmful to your health, it can expose you and others to the risk of injury, or even death. The consequences of binge drinking can have long-lasting effects on both your health and well-being.

Here are some of the consequences of binge drinking:

Weight gain.
Obesity.
Liver cirrhosis.
Cancer.
Strokes and cardiovascular/heart problems.
Alcohol poisoning.
Pancreatitis.
Children born with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.
Unplanned pregnancy.
Gastritis.
High blood pressure.
Fertility problems.
Temporary impotence.
Unintentional injuries, like car crashes, falls, burns, drowning.
Intentional injuries, like firearm injuries, sexual assault, domestic violence.
Sexually transmitted diseases.
Poor control of diabetes.
Mental health problems.

Alcoholism and alcohol abuse, like binge drinking, are not the same, but they are similar. If you find yourself out of control, with a strong craving for alcohol and the need to drink more alcohol while having a physical dependence, then you may be an alcoholic. If you're concerned that your binge drinking has grown to more than a bad habit or occasional overindulgence, then it is advised that you search for some real help.

If you know someone who may be having difficulty with alcohol and binge drinking, please encourage them to seek help. If you would like more information on treatment options, please visit http://www.therapeuticbenefits.com/ for resources and to schedule a free phone consultation.