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If alcohol use disorder has begun to affect your life negatively, you are not alone. Millions of Americans struggle with alcohol addiction, and among younger adults, binge drinking is one of the most common forms of alcohol abuse. The stigma associated with entering a rehab program often prevents people from admitting that they have a problem. It’s important that more people know about the dangers of binge drinking and the possibility of recovery from alcohol use disorder.

Committing to an alcohol rehab program could be the first step toward long-term sobriety. If you or someone you care about has been struggling with alcohol dependency and addiction, we at Samba Recovery would be more than happy to welcome you into our treatment center. We offer comprehensive alcohol rehab in Atlanta, and we incorporate a range of therapies to suit each person’s individual needs. Experienced addiction specialists work with each patient to provide a solid foundation for the recovery journey. You can call us at 888.505.8279 if you want to learn more.

What Is Binge Drinking?

Binge drinking is defined as consuming a large amount of alcohol over a short period of time, usually within two hours. Each alcoholic beverage contains a certain amount of pure alcohol, which is measured in grams or milliliters. In the United States, one standard drink contains approximately 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol. This applies regardless of the type or size of the beverage. For the purposes of defining binge drinking, a standard drink may be:

• 12 ounces (355 ml) of beer
• Eight ounces (237 ml) of malt liquor
• Five ounces (148 ml) of wine
• 1.5 ounces (44 ml) of 80-proof distilled spirits

Binge drinking typically occurs when a person consumes more than four or five standard drinks in a single sitting. The amount of alcohol that is needed to be consumed before intoxication varies from person to person depending on their size, gender, and any underlying medical conditions. Binge drinking is not necessarily limited to bars and nightclubs, as it can occur anywhere that alcohol is served, including a person’s home.

The Dangers of Binge Drinking

1. Alcohol Poisoning

One of the most immediate dangers associated with binge drinking is alcohol poisoning. Alcohol poisoning occurs when a person consumes too much alcohol over a short period of time, leading to toxic levels of alcohol in the bloodstream. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include:

• Confusion
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Labored breathing
• Unconsciousness
• Low body temperature

If left untreated, it can lead to coma or even death. It is important to seek medical attention immediately if you think someone has had too much to drink.

2. Long-Term Health Risks

In addition to the risk of alcohol poisoning from binge drinking, there are also long-term health risks associated with this behavior. Over time, excessive alcohol abuse can damage vital organs such as the liver, heart, and brain. It can also increase the risk for certain cancers, such as mouth and throat cancer. Additionally, regular binge drinking can lead to an increased tolerance of alcohol, which often leads to even heavier drinking and the possibility of dependence and addiction.

3. Increased Risk of Injury or Death

Binge drinking also increases the risk of injury or death due to accidents caused by impaired judgment or motor skills while under the influence of alcohol. This includes car accidents where drunk driving can result in severe injuries or fatalities for both drivers and pedestrians alike. Other types of injuries related to binge drinking include falls due to impaired coordination or judgment, as well as violent confrontations due to a lack of impulse control.

4. Social Consequences

Binge drinking can also have damaging effects on social relationships. People who drink heavily often experience difficulty maintaining close friendships or relationships. Heavy drinkers may also find themselves struggling financially due to decreased productivity or more money spent on alcohol instead of necessities such as rent or food. Furthermore, binge drinkers are more likely to engage in criminal activity that could lead to imprisonment or financial penalties.

Reach Out to Samba Recovery for Alcohol Rehab in Atlanta

If you or someone you know is in need of help, there’s no better time to start than now. You can call Samba Recovery at 888.505.8279 or reach out online to get started on the journey to recovery. As Atlanta’s premier addiction treatment center, we’re committed to helping the residents of our community break free from alcohol use disorder.