While it’s common for college students to take alcohol, binge drinking occurs when one consumes a considerable amount within a short time. The habit can cause severe health problems to the user. According to research, an estimated 60% of students in college binge every month. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reports that binge drinking in college affects two in every three students. If you experience this problem, seeking intervention from a professional alcohol detox center is critical to avoid adverse consequences.
There are several services you can expect from a treatment center, including:
- Alcohol detox program
- Drug addiction treatment
- Inpatient treatment program
- Outpatient treatment program
- Dual diagnosis program
The Consequences of Binge Drinking in College
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), those who engage in binge drinking consume excess alcohol within a short time. When the alcohol concentration in your blood reaches 0.08 or more, there are high chances of becoming impaired. The intensity can increase due to chronic or fast-paced drinking.
As a student, it’s prudent to be aware of the consequences of binging so that you can avoid falling into the trap. Some of the things to be on the lookout for include:
- Increased risk of getting involved in an automobile accident because of impairment
- The likelihood of displaying violent behavior, such as homicide, sexual assault, or suicide
- Developing chronic illnesses, such as heart diseases and high blood pressure
- Increased rate of unwanted pregnancies and miscarriages
- Becoming dependent on alcohol
- Learning and memory problems
- Increased risk of cancer, including cancers of the mouth, throat, colon, liver, and breast
Why Do Young Adults Binge Drink?
When students are in college, they feel invincible, empowered, and free since they’re far from their parents’ watchful eyes. In most cases, they fail to understand the signs of alcohol addiction or potential health problems. If you’re suffering from alcoholism, seek help from a residential alcohol rehab center to start your recovery journey.
Trying to Fit in a Group
Binge drinking in college happens when some students want to fit into a particular group. It’s one of the ways of making new friends and establishing a social network. Many of those in college may start drinking due to peer pressure.
Although social interaction can be essential on campus, making connections in a new environment can be a challenge to many. Drinking with others seems like an easy way to attract peers.
School Pride
Celebrations are prevalent in colleges, and drinking seems to fit in the festivities. As such, school pride can be a reason to engage in binge drinking. For example, binging occurs after winning a football game or during a significant event in college. End of semesters can also encourage students to participate in irresponsible drinking behavior.
Established Group Patterns
Some groups in college associate binge drinking with house parties. The image leads to the expectation of excessive consumption of alcohol. If such groups get established, a drinking pattern is likely to occur as new members will be expected to continue with the same culture.
Overcome Alcoholism at Rehab
Involving yourself in binge drinking can lead to traumatic experiences. If you’re a college student trapped in this alcohol consumption behavior, don’t wait until things become worse. Recognizing alcohol use disorders at an early stage can enable you to seek the right treatment at rehab.
If binge drinking in college is affecting your academic and campus life, alcohol addiction treatment center programs will offer an ideal solution for a complete healing process. Mental health experts will assist you in identifying underlying issues and providing the right treatment option depending on your situation.