Today on Rethink the Drink, we want to inform you about the dangerous effects of binge drinking. As you can see to the left, binge drinking is defined as having 4 or more drinks in one sitting (for women) and 5 or more drinks in one sitting (for men). Binge drinking is common among minors and adults alike. Many people unintentionally binge drink when they are “having a good time” and keep imbibing well past the level of health and safety. Below, you’ll find 10 facts about binge drinking. We hope that the next time you have the opportunity to drink, you’ll be wise and make a smarter choice. You can do it! Rethink the drink!
1) Binge drinking can lead to alcohol poisoning (a sometimes fatal health condition that results from drinking too much in a short time).
2) Binge drinking can lead to minor and major accidental injuries from falls, burns, vehicle crashes, and more.
3) Binge drinking can lead to violence in social situations when people lose their inhibitions and get into altercations.
4) Binge drinking can lead to unintended sexual consequences such as rape, unintended pregnancy, and sexually transmitted disease.
5) Frequent binge drinking can lead to liver disease, high blood pressure, strokes, and other health problems.
6) Though anyone can fall into the trap of binge drinking, it is most common among young people aged 18-22.
7) 35% of college students admit to binge drinking (according to a study conducted by University of Michigan).
8) Binge drinking is not the same as alcohol dependence. Many people who engage in binge drinking do so “for fun”, but do not realize the dangerous consequences.
9) Males are twice as likely to engage in binge drinking.
10) Alcohol is the third leading cause of death in the 15-24 age group.
As you can see from the facts listed above, you can see the disastrous consequences of binge drinking. Avoid these scary situations and protect yourself. Rethink the drink.
——————————————
Sources:
>> http://www.the-alcoholism-guide.org/binge-drinking-statistics.html
>> http://responsibility.org/binge-drinking/statistics
>> http://www.learn-about-alcoholism.com/binge-drinking-statistics.html
>> http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/binge-drinking.htm
——————————————
Want to connect with Rethink the Drink? Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and our CPMA Website! “Like” us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Pinterest to show your pledge to rethink the drink.