Binge-Drinking: A look at America’s trouble spots
Binge-drinking is defined as being a pattern of consuming alcohol to the point that an individual's blood alcohol level is 0.08% or higher. This means more than 5 drinks during one single occasion for men, and more than 4 drinks during one single occasion for women (within a 2 hour time span). While this does not mean that the consumer is an alcoholic, binge-drinking does have its own set of risks and complications. These risks and complications include: •
Liver disease
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Alcohol poisoning
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Drunk driving
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Neurological damage
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Combative behavior
A recent study published in the American Journal of Public Health shows that heavy alcohol consumption is on the rise, and how much an individual drinks depends on where they live. The study also showed that women drinkers are on the rise, but do not drink as much as male drinkers do. While there have been many studies done to monitor nationwide alcohol consumption, this study is the first study to take a comprehensive, county-by-county look at this growing problem. Binge-drinking is linked to an increased risk of cancer and heart disease. The county that has the highest percentage of binge-drinkers is Menominee County in Wisconsin. It has been found that 36% of individuals of legal drinking age are binge-drinkers.
When it comes to heavy drinkers, Esmeralda County in Nevada leads the pack. It was found that over 22% of individuals of drinking age are heavy drinkers. Counties that were found to have the least amount of heavy drinkers include Hancock County in Tennessee. The rate of heavy drinkers is only 2.4%. Overall, it has been found that moderate drinking is highest in well-educated and affluent communities. Over 78% of drinking-age adults in Falls Church, Virginia drink. Problem drinking is highest in rural, impoverished communities, where socioeconomic stress plays a key role in excessive alcohol consumption. These specific county-by-county studies are helping communities to seek financial backing to help address problem drinking. Strategies, including laws against drinking and driving, and holding bars responsible for serving drunk customers are among policies being introduced. Binge-drinking is something that can turn into an even bigger problem if not addressed quickly. Alcohol addiction happens to be one of the biggest complication of binge-drinking. There are many things to look out for if you suspect that an alcohol addiction is present: •
Increasing the amount of alcohol you consume in order to achieve the desired effect.
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Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you do not drink.
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Drinking has gotten in the way of your relationships, jobs, and/or schooling.
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No matter what you do, you cannot quit drinking.
If binge-drinking has turned into an alcohol addiction, there is help out there. By contacting an alcohol addiction treatment center, you will be able to get help for yourself, or a loved one. These alcohol addiction treatment centers will assist you as you go through alcohol withdrawal. Once you have successfully gone through alcohol withdrawal, you will begin the rehab process. Contact your local alcohol addiction treatment center today.
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