When Does Binge Drinking Become Alcoholism?
Alcoholism is an illness that is rising with every passing day. People from all age groups and from every lifestyle are the victims of this problem. Alcoholics are not the only sufferers; even their families and all of their loved ones suffer with them.
Binge drinking is a modern term which is used to describe heavy consumption of alcohol over a short period of time. More specifically, binge drinking is the consumption of five or more drinks in a row by men, or four or more drinks in a row by women, at least once in the previous two weeks. If this occurs more than once in two weeks, it is called heavy binge drinking. However, these numbers can vary.
There are many reasons behind binge drinking. For teenagers and the young generation, binge drinking starts off as a mere curiosity about alcohol and its effects. Also, there is peer pressure that can make people consume alcohol in social situations, in order to keep up with their friends. Many people binge drink to make social gatherings more exciting, and some do it to reduce stress.
A never ending habit, alcoholism, becomes addiction and a forceful desire of consumption that cannot be suppressed, and it becomes a routine. For the person who gets addicted to alcohol, it becomes difficult to survive without it. He only feels alive at the time of the day when he is drinking. The difference between alcoholism and binge drinking is that alcoholism becomes a disease and is repeated on regular basis, whereas binge drinking is occasional.
The irony is that the binge drinkers do not believe that they have got some problem that needs a treatment. Their argument is that as they drink occasionally; therefore, it is not a problem and there must not be any concern about it. However, this type of drinking may become harmful. They need to understand that binge drinking might be counted as a type of alcoholism, which in the long run may turn into dangerous alcoholism. It can turn out to be the most dangerous form of alcoholism. Binge drinking can be pretty harmful for the body because it causes the sugar level in the blood to rise and fall quickly.
Once a person gets on to binge drinking regularly, he gets addicted to it in a short while. The frequency and quantity of consumption increases as the person becomes more regular in binge drinking. The person then become dependent on it and therefore, cannot avoid the need for more. The problem goes unnoticed in most of the cases. Even if they notice it, they are not ready to admit that they have become alcoholics.
The problem should therefore not be taken for granted. It may cause many health problems such as liver problems and even diabetes. Excessive consumption may prove to be fatal. So, if someone among your family and friends is suffering from this problem, you must immediately get them some help.
James Handforth is a health expert. You can get rid of drug additions by taking help from alcohol clinic and for more information visit his recommended site at http://www.dryoutnow.com.
