10 Serious Dangers of Binge Drinking
10 Serious Dangers of Binge Drinking. Binge drinking involves consuming multiple servings of alcohol in a short period of time, generally in less than an hour or two. While it might look like fun, more so during the festive season, it’s important to be aware of these risks and understand the relationship between binge drinking and alcohol use disorders.
1. Host of Injuries
It goes without saying that binge drinking leads to accidental injuries. These include motor vehicle crashes, falls, burns, and drowning. You can also cause accidents to others.
2. Kidney Problems
Alcohol is a diuretic, which causes the kidneys to produce more urine. This, alone or with vomiting, can lead to dehydration and dangerously low levels of sodium, potassium, and other minerals and salts.
3. Sexual Health
When you are drunk, you take drastic actions that you wouldn’t do when sober. Being drunk increases the chance of having unsafe sex. This can lead to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or unplanned pregnancy.
4. Alcohol Poisoning
This is when heavy alcohol use affects the central nervous system, slowing breathing and heart rate. If a person who has been drinking a lot is confused, vomits, has a seizure, has pale skin, or passes out, it may be a sign of alcohol poisoning. This is a medical emergency. It can lead to brain damage or death.
5. Alcohol Use Disorder
Young people who often engage in binge drinking are more likely to develop a drinking problem. The person still drinks, even when having ongoing problems with friends or family. These problems are caused or made worse by alcohol. Many tertiary students fit the pattern of having alcohol use disorder.
6. Cancer Risks
Over the long run, alcohol increases the risk of several cancers. This includes cancer of the liver, mouth, throat, voice box, esophagus, colon, and rectum. Even a few drinks a week is linked with an increased risk of breast cancer in women.
7. Physical Health
People who binge-drink throughout high school are more likely to be overweight and have high blood pressure by the time they are 24. Just one regular beer contains about 150 calories, which adds up to a lot of calories if someone drinks four or five beers a night.
8. Temperamental Problems
Binge drinking increases the likelihood of both becoming aggressive and of being on the receiving end of someone else’s temper. Experts believe the reason some people become confrontational when drunk is due to the way alcohol affects the brain.
9. Mental Health
Binge drinking can affect your mood and your memory and, in the longer term, can lead to serious mental health problems. Heavy drinkers are also at higher risk of depression, anxiety, and psychosis.
10. Death
Binge drinking can lead to dire consequences. In extreme cases, you could die. Overdosing on alcohol can stop you breathing or stop your heart, or you could choke on your vomit.
