When a loved one is binge drinking, it can be difficult to know how to help. You may feel scared, helpless, or even angry. But it’s important to remember that you are not alone. There are millions of people in the United States who are struggling with alcohol addiction, and many of them are getting help. There are a number of things you can do to support your loved one and find help.
Consider The Right Step Houston’s alcohol detox center for a loved one. Call us today at 17135283709 for more information about our treatment options.
Recognizing Binge Drinking
Everyone has a different tolerance and preference for alcohol, which can make it difficult to determine how much alcohol is too much. If you are concerned about your drinking or that of someone you care about, look out for signs of binge drinking:
- Drinking more alcohol than usual
- Needing to drink more to feel the same effects
- Blacking out or forgetting what happened while drinking
- Feeling sick or hungover after drinking
- Making excuses to drink
- Neglecting responsibilities or hobbies
- Experiencing financial or legal problems due to drinking
Other facts about binge drinking:
- A drinking binge is considered to be the consumption of five or more drinks for men, and four or more drinks for women, in the span of about two hours.
- On average, binge drinkers consume eight drinks in a single binge episode.
- Binge drinking is most common among people between the ages of 18 and 25 and occurs in social situations when the individual is surrounded by peers.
- Older adults between the ages of 55 and 64 are the least likely to engage in binge drinking, though recent surveys find that as many as one in 10 older adults binge drink approximately once per month.
- Most people who experience excessive or problematic drinking engage in binge drinking about four times per month.
- Binge drinking can lead to legal, medical, and social problems, including driving under the influence, getting into fights or committing property crimes, unplanned pregnancy or unsafe sex, contracting sexually transmitted diseases, and alcohol dependence.
- Though binge drinkers are not necessarily dependent on alcohol, binge drinking can lead to alcoholism if left untreated.
- Oftentimes, individuals who are frequent binge drinkers may believe that they are expected to drink in social situations and may be afraid of what friends will say if they turn down alcohol.
Help for Binge Drinking at The Right Step Houston
If you are concerned about a loved one’s drinking or wondering how much alcohol is too much for them, discuss with them your concerns about their health and safety. Binge drinkers are more likely to suffer from injuries, alcohol poisoning, high blood pressure, stroke, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, and neurological damage. Try to understand the root of the binge drinking behavior and recommend professional help.
You can help your loved one by:
- Listening to them
- Encouraging them to talk about their feelings
- Offering support and understanding
- Helping them find a treatment program
- Attending family counseling or therapy sessions with them
If you are worried that a loved one may be at risk of developing alcoholism, it is important to get them help as soon as possible. The Right Step Houston’s alcohol detox center can help your loved one safely detox from alcohol and start on the path to recovery. Following detox, we offer residential treatment, partial hospitalization (PHP), and intensive outpatient (IOP) programs that can help your loved one recover. Call us today at 17135283709 or contact us online for more information about our treatment programs.
