Understanding the Dangers of Binge Drinking in College

College life and young adulthood are filled with social gatherings and celebrations. From epic dorm parties to unforgettable nights out with friends, these moments make your youth unforgettable. However, we tend to unnecessarily make alcohol the guest of honor.

According to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 49.3% of full-time college students ages 18 to 22 drank alcohol in the past month. Of those, about 27.4% engaged in binge drinking during that same time frame.

While having a blast is a must, you need to be aware of the potential risks of not drinking responsibly. Before taking alcohol drug abuse prevention training, read on to learn how alcohol abuse can affect your everyday life.

people drinking beer before alcohol drug abuse prevention training

What Is Binge Drinking?

Binge drinking is synonymous with the college party scene, but it’s a harmful pattern of alcohol consumption worth understanding. It refers to having many alcohol drinks in a short time to get drunk as fast as you can. Men often have around five or more drinks, while for women have four or more beverages.

The exact definition of binge drinking varies depending on the country and health organizations, but it revolves around drinking enough to reach a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.08% or higher.

Binge drinking isn’t limited to alcohol, as it can also involve taking substances like drugs or combining both.

What Can Binge Drinking Do to You?

Health Issues

Slamming down too many drinks too fast can result in alcohol poisoning, which is a serious, life-threatening condition that demands prompt medical attention. Binge drinking also raises the odds of accidents and injuries due to impaired judgment and coordination.

Long-term consequences are a cause for concern too. Binge drinking can take a toll on your liver, heart, and brain over time, and it may even pave the way for addiction, making it tough to break free from the cycle of heavy drinking.

In the United States alone, alcohol misuse lead to 140,000 deaths from 2015 to 2019, and around 50% of them were caused by binge drinking.

Party Smart and Shine Bright

Binge drinking can also have repercussions on your academics and social life. Frequent bouts of excessive drinking can lead to missed classes, lower grades, and even academic probation.

Moreover, it can strain your relationships with friends and family, tarnish your reputation, and lead to actions you might later regret during alcohol-fueled escapades.

Mental Clarity and Positivity

Your mental health is where the real party is at, and alcohol can become an unwanted guest and a buzzkill.

Binge drinking can worsen feelings of depression and anxiety, and sometimes, it becomes a misguided coping mechanism. Since alcohol is a depressant, it can intensify existing mental health issues as well.

How to Avoid Binge Drinking

If you don’t want to fall into the trap of binge drinking or want to get out, start following these practical tips:

– Take control and decide how many drinks you’ll enjoy — then stick to it.

– Alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated. There are lots of “fun” beverages on the market today that bring great taste with no alcohol.

– Pair up with a trusted friend who shares your passion for fun and responsible choices; you can keep each other accountable.

– Identify situations that might steer you toward binge drinking and choose other ways to sparkle in the moment.

– If you or a friend is struggling with the challenges of binge drinking, don’t hesitate to lean on your close circle, family, or the resources on your campus for a helping hand.

women having shots before alcohol drug abuse prevention training

Interested in Taking Alcohol Drug Abuse Prevention Training?

At Catharsis Productions, we’re experts in fostering respectful and safe communities. Our programs, workshops, and consulting are tailored to engage every audience.

Whether it’s in-person or online, our training can help you make a positive impact in preventing substance abuse. Our modules can also integrate with popular school and college platforms like Blackboard.

Book your training today and be part of the change!

Catharsis Productions

Catharsis Productions' mission is to change the world by producing innovative, accessible and  research-supported programming that challenges oppressive attitudes and shifts behavior.