Binging or Beyond Binging?

​I am sure many of you have heard of “binge-drinking.” This is when a person consumes alcohol at a faster rate than his or her body can process it. But what about “high-intensity drinking?” This is an even more extreme phenomenon than binge-drinking. It is the consumption of ten drinks or more, and it can lead to dangerous consequences. “We are seeing more problems with college-educated women in particular, who are now drinking far more, and with greater consequence, than in previous generations.” (Hazelden Betty Ford Institute for Recovery Advocacy, 2014). While the number of high-intensity drinkers among males has decreased from 2005 to 2015, it has remained steady among females.
Early intervention is needed in order to achieve concrete understanding with these individuals. A correlation has been found between high-intensity drinkers and those who use other drugs, such as marijuana. It is important to let them know of what they are potentially getting themselves into. “Not only are individuals who drink alcohol at levels exceeding these guidelines at risk for health and safety issues, but they might also experience problems academically, professionally and personally” (Hazelden Betty Ford Institute for Recovery Advocacy, 2014). We tend to idealize alcohol because it so easily accessible and legal. In reality, it can be just as fatal as illicit drugs. Education is the main way to end high-intensity drinking.
If you think your alcohol consumption is unhealthy, then make an appointment at Helix Counseling and Coaching Services. It is always better to be safe and to gain awareness.

Beyond Binging: “High-Intensity Drinking”