WHAT IS BINGE DRINKING AND CONSEQUENCES (Alcohol Poisoning)

Binge Drinking can be a lot of different things that include:

• Drinking a lot in a short time period.
• Drinking a lot ……
• Reaching a very high blood alcohol level
• Experiencing problems that result from drinking.

Binge drinking does not necessarily have to be about the quantity of alcohol, but can be defined as:

• If you are a man, consuming 5 or more drinks in a row one or more times in a 2 week period
• If you are a female, consuming 4 or more drinks in a row or more times in a 2 week period.

Binge Drinking can lead to poor choices and increase the risk of harm: Examples of this can be

• Blackouts                                            
• Increased tolerance
• Alcohol-related injuries or death
• Legal problems
• Unplanned pregnancies
• STI/HIV transmission
• Acquaintance rape.

Choose responsibly and remember to.

• Avoid drinking games
• Slow Down – No Rush
• Eat First
• Consider the consequences.

IF SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT HAS HAD TOO MUCH TO DRINK LOOK FOR ALCOHOL POISENING.

Alcohol deal poisoning can be severe and/or potentially fatal physical reaction.  This most commonly occurs with Binge Drinking.  When excessive amounts of alcohol are consumed, the brain becomes depraved of oxygen.  The struggle to deal with the alcohol and the lack of oxygen will eventually cause the brain to shut down the voluntary functions that regulate breathing and heart rate. 

I f a person is known to have consumed large quantities of alcohol in a short period of time, you may want to watch for signs or symptoms of alcohol poisoning.

v     Vomiting

v     Unconsciousness

v     Cold, Clammy, Pale or Bluish Skin

v     Slow or Irregular breathing

Secondary Effects of Binge Drinking:

v     In schools with high binge drinking rates, 34 percent of non-binge drinkers reported being insulted or humiliated by binge drinkers.  13 percent reported being pushed , hit, or assaulted;54 percent reported having to take care of a drunken student; 68 percent were interrupted while studying; and 26 percent of women experienced an unwanted sexual advance.

www.factsontap.org

www.niaaa.nih.gov

www.health.org

www.nacoa.org