The decision on whether to engage in drinking is a common one young people face. Some young people stay awhile while others will try drinking.
It’s generally advised for young people to not engage in underage drinking. If a young person does decide to engage in drinking, it’s heavily advised they don’t engage in binge drinking.
Binge drinking is where someone drinks a copious amount of alcohol in a short amount of time. It can be one of the most dangerous problems young people can encounter and is an issue that should be taken seriously.
The following information will explain how binge drinking can be dangerous as well as some tips on how to avoid it.
Alcohol poisoning
Alcohol poisoning is a very real danger with binge drinking. It can occur when someone drinks too much alcohol in too short of time, leading to the sufferer becoming dangerously ill.
Some common symptoms of alcohol poisoning are vomiting, seizures, and difficulty breathing. If left untreated, alcohol poisoning can lead to death.
Drunk driving
One of the most well-known dangers of binge drinking is drunk driving. When someone is driving under the influence of alcohol, they are putting their own life at risk and the lives of everyone else on the road.
Drunk drivers can cause accidents that injure or kill innocent people. They can also be arrested and face criminal charges.
Unsafe sex practices
Along with the increased risk for sexual assault, binge drinking can also lead to unsafe sex. When someone is drunk, they may not be able to make good decisions about who they are getting intimate with.
They may also be more likely to forget to use protection, leading to unwanted pregnancies or STDs. They might also be susceptible to sexual assault since their inhibitions are lowered and less aware of their surroundings.
Worsen academic performance
Another danger of binge drinking for young people is that it can lead to a decline in academic performance. If you spend a lot of time going out partying and drinking, you won’t have much time to study.
After a night of binge drinking, you’ll probably experience a hangover, which can make it difficult to focus and concentrate in class. This can lead to problems learning new materials, resulting in lower grades.
Health problems
Binge drinking can also lead to various health problems in young people. Binge drinking can lead to unexpected weight gain, sleep problems, and irritability.
Some more serious health problems can include liver damage, heart problems, and brain damage. There’s also the possibility of binge drinking turning into alcohol abuse.
Tips for avoiding binge drinking
While the easiest way to avoid binge drinking is to not engage with it, some young people will still want to drink. There are several things young people can do to avoid binge drinking.
Know your limits
It’s essential to know your personal limit when it comes to alcohol. Don’t try to keep up with friends who are drinking more than you or drink outside of your comfort zone.
- Pace yourself
- Drink slowly and have plenty of water in between alcoholic drinks.
- Avoid drinking games
- Drinking games often encourage people to drink more than they intended.
- Set a designated driver
- If you are going out drinking, make sure to designate a driver who will not be drinking.
Know the signs of alcohol poisoning
If someone you know appears to be suffering from alcohol poisoning, seek medical help immediately.
Get informed
Learn more about the dangers of binge drinking and talk to your friends and family about it. This can help create a dialogue about the topic and discourage people from binge drinking.
Final thoughts
When it comes to binge drinking, young people face a lot of risks. Their lives can be ruined if they are not careful. It’s best for young people to avoid binge drinking, and if they want to drink, to do it in moderation.
