How to stop binge drinking is a question that is becoming more and more relevant with each passing day. Most people engaging in the vice are young. Binge drinking is closely tied to alcoholism as many individuals who start as binge drinkers become dependent on alcohol. Quitting can be very tough especially when one is dependent. Luckily, an inpatient alcohol detox center helps ease the withdrawal symptoms.
Binge drinking is when an individual consumes a large quantity of alcohol during a short period. The main risks include alcohol poisoning, developing alcohol dependence, and even liver disease. But alcohol consumption is so normalized in a society that many people often don’t know when it’s become problematic.
Signs of Binge Drinking
Knowing the signs of binge drinking helps you develop strategies that can help you identify when it occurs. This is also a good way to check whether or not you’re an addict. If you need help, an inpatient alcohol rehab center is a good place to start.
The signs of binge drinking are:
- Drinking at least 4 or 5 drinks in 2 hours
- Drinking without stopping
- Memory loss or experiencing gaps while drinking
- Exhibiting different behaviors while intoxicated
The process of implementing answers to how to stop binge drinking may take some time. This is because habitual drinkers may have an alcohol use disorder. This requires lifelong treatment and the individual must have great support systems in place.
How to Stop Binge Drinking
People engage in binge drinking for various reasons. For some, it’s because they want to get drunk quickly, or they are underage, or they are addicts. Whatever the reason, the process of quitting binge drinking is not easy. But it is possible with the right help and the right alcohol addiction treatment center programs.
You can stop binge drinking by doing the following:
- Ask for help from family and friends
- Change your habits and try to look for a new environment
- Identify what triggers your binge drinking and try to top it
- Use a journal to help you reduce the number of drinks and avoid places where you are most likely to engage in binge drinking
- Seek out new hobbies that don’t involve drinking
- If you suspect you’re an addict, join an addiction treatment program
Binge drinking can even result in alcohol poisoning which can be fatal. The key to how to stop binge drinking is taking affirmative action and seeking and accepting help when you need it.
Why You Need to Stop Binge Drinking
The biggest risk of binge drinking is that it may lead to alcohol dependence. This risk is more prevalent among young adults who may turn into long-term drinkers. Additionally, binge drinkers are at a greater risk of suffering severe injuries resulting from accidents especially when they drink and drive. Binge drinking also poses various health risks. This includes developing heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and suffering a stroke.
This form of drinking is a contributing risk factor to various types of cancers such as liver, esophageal, mouth, and throat. Binge drinking may also lead to unemployment when you miss work or become unproductive due to hangovers. Alcohol reduces an individual’s inhibitions. It makes them prone to engaging in very risky behaviors such as having unprotected sex.
Seek Help to Stop Binge Drinking
How to stop binge drinking isn’t a question you have to answer alone. Don’t let fear get in the way of you getting the help you need. Seek help by contacting an alcohol addiction treatment center and join a program that will address your needs.