Binge Drinking

Binge drinking, or heavy episodic drinking, is a modern epithet for drinking alcoholic beverages with an intention of becoming intoxicated by heavy consumption of alcohol over a short period of time, but definitions vary considerably.

Binge Drinking Signs

Binge drinking has different effects on different people. If your alcohol use is causing trouble for you at work, at home, in social situations, or at school, it’s a problem. Other signs of an issue can include:

• Drinking more than you planned
• Drinking more often
• Drinking early in the day
• Feeling defensive about your drinking
• Not being able to slow down or stop your drinking
• Needing more alcohol to get the same effect
• Giving up activities you enjoy to spend more time drinking
• Feeling shaky, weak, or nauseated when you haven’t had a drink in a while
• Taking part in dangerous activities when you drink
• Having “blackouts,” or gaps in your memory, after drinking

Treatments

1. Stop Further Drinking

• Leave the place where the alcohol is, or put the alcohol away.
• Coffee, cold showers, and other traditional remedies don't work.

2. Keep the Person Safe

• Never allow someone to drive when they are drunk.
• Keep the person away from machinery, bicycles, skateboards, swimming pools, and other hazards.
• Watch for signs of alcohol poisoning.