In some circles, binge drinking is considered a right of passage, but binge drinking’s harmful effects cause problems in people’s lives. It is one of the ways you can develop alcoholism and dependence. Alcohol abuse like this can change the course of your life and lead to numerous physical and mental health challenges. Our team at Recovery Bay Center can offer the alcoholism treatment you need to overcome these challenges.
What Is Binge Drinking?
When a person engages in binge drinking, he or she is drinking a large amount of alcohol in a short amount of time. This type of alcohol abuse often means a woman drinking four or more alcoholic beverages at once (such as over the course of several hours) or men drinking five or more alcoholic beverages. In all situations, this is alcohol abuse, even if you do not engage in it very often.
What Is the Risk of Binge Drinking and Alcohol Abuse?
When you take in a large amount of alcohol into your body in a short period of time, you overwhelm your organs. Alcohol is toxic to the body. Your kidneys and liver cannot process it properly when it is consumed in large amounts. It overwhelms these organs and enters the bloodstream. You may feel intoxicated. Too much of the substance can also lead to alcohol poisoning, a life-threatening complication that requires immediate medical care. A person who engages in alcohol abuse like this is more likely to engage in reckless behavior. That includes getting behind the wheel of a car, engaging in unprotected sex, or physical activities that are risky. There is also an increased risk of using drugs and committing suicide.
What Happens When You Engage in Alcohol Abuse Like This Over Time?
The complications and risks for alcohol abuse range from one person to the next based on their specific tolerance level, body makeup, and even genetics. However, some of the most common dangers of binge drinking over the long term include:
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- Brain damage that limits cognitive function
- Problems with memory
- Heart damage
- Seizures and loss of consciousness
- Increase cancer risks
- Overdose and sudden death
Because it is such a high-risk experience, binge drinking is never safe. Even if you just want to do so once, it can be life-threatening that very first time.
Alcoholism Treatment Is Nearly Always Required
If you’ve engaged in binge drinking often or other types of alcohol abuse, you may benefit from alcoholism treatment. This becomes necessary if you have developed a dependence on the substance, which means you crave it and even experience withdrawal symptoms when you do not use it. You do not have to drink consistently every day to have alcoholism. If you believe you are struggling with alcohol abuse, take action. Reach out to our team to learn more about alcoholism treatment, including the most innovative and effective programs that can help you. This often starts with detox services, which helps to remove the substances from your body to allow your organs and tissues to heal. From there, residential treatment may help you as well. Our team offers comprehensive treatment for binge drinking and alcohol abuse. That may include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Group therapy services
- Individual therapy services
- Trauma therapy program
- Dual diagnosis treatment
Invest in Your Future – Call Recovery Bay Center Today
Binge drinking may have put you in a place of struggling with alcohol abuse. It does not have to define what your future holds for you, though. At Recovery Bay Center, we offer a comprehensive alcoholism treatment program designed to help you reclaim your health. One of our standout services is our men’s inpatient treatment program, which provides a structured, supportive environment where men can focus exclusively on their recovery. Recognizing that men and women often experience addiction differently, this program is tailored to address the unique challenges and needs that men face during their recovery journey. In the men’s inpatient treatment setting, patients can expect to engage in a variety of therapeutic activities, including individual counseling, group therapy, family counseling, and educational sessions about the disease of addiction and relapse prevention strategies. Our dedicated and compassionate team of professionals is committed to helping each patient develop a personalized recovery plan that promotes lifelong sobriety. Learn more about the services we offer at Recovery Bay Center and how we can guide you on the path to a brighter, healthier future. we offer when you call 833-991-2955 or connect with our therapists online.