Binge drinking - how much of a problem

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In summary, the conversation discusses the potential risks of binge drinking and how it may indicate addiction problems. The specific case given involves heavy drinking once every 6-8 weeks, but not experiencing any alcohol cravings in between. The speaker believes that the acute damage from binge drinking is a bigger concern than the possibility of addiction in this situation. They also mention that it is difficult to develop a physical dependence without consuming large amounts of alcohol regularly. Overall, the conversation concludes that in this particular case, the likelihood of addiction is close to none.
  • #1
DanP
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Besides the obvious fact that heavy drinking even in isolated situations may impact your health, how much of a problem is binge drinking in indicating potential addiction problems.
Ill give you a particular case:

Heavy drinking for 1 night each 6-8 weeks. By heavy drinking I mean 700-800ml of Vodka / whiskey during 8 hours or so. Always stopping before being "knocked out" by alcohol, and even before you feel sick and have to puke. No alcohol cravings at all for the whole intermediary period. Very little, really close to none, social drinking in between.
 
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  • #2
I think in those situations the acute damage is a bigger issue than the probably-low possibility of addiction.
 
  • #3
Well I don't want to condone binge drinking on physics forums. But I'd say close to none in your case. You seem to feel like you're in control mentally. It's not that easy to develop a physical dependence without knowing that, for sure, you drink A LOT. You aren't even in the ballpark.
 
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What is considered binge drinking?

Binge drinking is typically defined as consuming 5 or more drinks for men, or 4 or more drinks for women, within a short period of time (usually 2 hours). This level of alcohol consumption can result in a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.

How common is binge drinking?

Binge drinking is a widespread problem, especially among young adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 6 adults in the United States binge drinks about 4 times a month. In addition, binge drinking is responsible for over half of the total alcohol consumed in the country.

What are the health risks of binge drinking?

Binge drinking can have serious consequences on a person's health. It can increase the risk of alcohol poisoning, unintentional injuries (such as car accidents), and long-term health problems such as liver disease, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Binge drinking can also lead to alcohol dependence and addiction.

Why do people engage in binge drinking?

There are many reasons why people engage in binge drinking, including peer pressure, social norms, stress, and psychological factors. In some cases, individuals may also have a genetic predisposition to binge drinking. It is important to address the underlying reasons for binge drinking in order to prevent and reduce its occurrence.

What can be done to address binge drinking?

There are several strategies that can be implemented to address binge drinking. These include education and awareness campaigns, stricter laws and regulations on alcohol sales and consumption, and interventions at the individual and community level. Seeking help from a healthcare professional or joining support groups can also be helpful for those struggling with binge drinking.

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