What is ‘binge-drinking’? What is ‘high intensity drinking’?

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A binge drinking session is when a woman has four drinks or more, and if a man drinks five drinks or more within two hours. (Image credit: Jackyenjoyphotography via Getty Images)

During the festive season and other times of celebration, alcohol often flows freely. How much alcohol is enough? What is “binge drinking,” ? And what can be the health consequences of it?

According to Dr. Ryan Marino, associate professor and toxicologist at Case Western Reserve University, most people think of binge drinking in terms “drinking to get drunk,” . The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism offers a preciser definition.

Binge drinking is when someone drinks enough alcohol in less than two hours for their blood-alcohol content (BAC) level to reach 0.08%. This is at least 0.08 grams per deciliter blood. For average adults this would be four drinks or more for women, and five drinks or more for men. A standard American drink is 0.6 ounces (14.4 grams), which is equivalent to 12 ounces beer, 5 glasses of wine or 1.5 ounces distilled spirit.

Women have a lower threshold for binge drinking because they tend to be heavier and contain more water. Alcohol dissolves only in water and not fat. Women therefore have a higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC) than men when drinking the same quantity.

What are the risks associated with binge drinking?

Alcohol slows the brain’s activity, so a binge drinker will have slower reflexes than usual. This can cause accidents like falls, drownings, and car crashes. Sarah Church, psychologist and CEO at Wholeview Wellness in New York City, explained that this suppressed activity in the brain makes it more likely for people to take risks, like engaging in unsafe sexual behavior or violence. Too much alcohol consumed in one sitting can damage the hippocampus, an area of the brain that is critical to forming memories. Blackouts can occur, making it impossible to remember what occurred while a person was intoxicated.

Alcohol levels that are too high in the bloodstream can cause areas of the mind responsible for vital functions to begin shutting down. These include breathing, heartbeat, and alertness. Alcohol poisoning can cause vomiting, seizures or even death.

The health effects of repeated binge drinking are

One episode of binge-drinking can have these immediate symptoms, as well as a likely hangover on the morning after. The effects of repeated binge drinking on physical and mental well-being can be severe. The liver is responsible for breaking down alcohol. If you consume more than it can handle, the liver can be severely damaged and lead to liver disease. Heavy drinking can also damage the heart. Over-drinking alcohol can cause high blood pressure and, over time, strain the heart, which increases the risk of stroke and heart attacks.

Heavy alcohol consumption over a long period of time can also damage nerves. This may lead to symptoms such as numbness and painful sensations. Heavy alcohol consumption is also linked to an increased risk of cancer. Linnea Axman, associate dean of the University of Phoenix College of Nursing said “The rate of cancer of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, [and] liver is elevated in people who repeatedly drink large amounts of alcohol,” that. This also affects the gut’s health. Trista Best, registered dietitian, said that the gut contains a lot of bacteria. This means that certain gut bacteria can become over-abundant, while other types are declining, causing negative side effects. Best said that alcohol can weaken your gut lining and make it permeable. This can let harmful substances into your bloodstream. It can cause chronic inflammation of the gut.

The risk of alcohol abuse disorder increases with binge drinking. This is a condition that leads to a craving for alcohol and loss of control while drinking, as well as a negative state of mind when you are not drinking. The increased risk of developing an alcohol use disorder is not the same for everyone who binge-drinks, but it’s significant.

Dr. Rostislav IGNATOV, psychiatrist at The Haven Detox and Chief Medical Officer, says that high-intensity alcohol consumption amplifies the risks associated with binge drinking. High-intensity alcohol consumption is more likely to cause severe organ damage or poisoning in the short term than binge drinking. He said that binge drinking is associated with cancer and organ damage, but high-intensity drinking increases the chances of these conditions. Peter Vernig, vice president of Recovery Centers of America’s mental health services and a psychologist said

“Anyone who is concerned about their drinking should speak to a health care professional to see what treatment options are right for them,” . The treatment options include inpatient rehab programs where you live in a facility to therapy groups, counseling and outpatient therapy. Prescription medications such as naltrexone can help reduce cravings for alcohol and dependency. “The most important thing to do is to reach out and start the conversation,” Vernig emphasized. Disclaimer

The article was written for educational purposes and not to provide medical or mental advice.

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