Binge drinking does not only lead to a terrible headache but
also a prolonged hangover the morning after. Binge drinking in fact has far
more serious repercussions on an individual’s health than than drinking alcohol
a limited amount on a regular basis, both short term and long term. Long term
alcohol consumption causes various conditions, the primary being, its effect on
the brain. Before indulging in a night of binge drinking, here is what you need
to know.
What is binge drinking?
In simple terms, binge drinking implies drinking a high
amount of alcohol in a short span of time. There is a stipulated amount of
alcohol that the body can accept and adapt to within a particular period of
time. These are called lower risk guidelines. When one indulges in alcohol
consumption double the quantity prescribed in the lower risk guidelines, it is
commonly known as binge drinking. The lower risk alcohol guidelines vary for
men and women. Thus, what leads to binge drinking in males differs from that in
females.
Four to six units of alcohol consumed within an hour or so
results in an increase in the blood alcohol concentration (BAC). If the same
amount of alcohol is drunk over an entire day, it does not affect the blood
alcohol concentration much, especially when it is accompanied with food. Thus,
binge drinking is far more harmful than limited alcohol consumption regularly.
Effects of binge drinking:
• Binge drinking affects one’s balance and co-ordination
between the brain’s commands and the organs’ obedience. As a result of this,
accidents and falls are common occurrences post binge drinking.
• An overdose of alcohol also leads to extreme cases of
health conditions such as shortness of breath and stopping of the heart
function. These may also prove fatal. The person can die as a result of choking
on his/her own vomit.
• Binge drinking has a serious negative repercussion on
one’s mental health. It affects the mood and the person begins to suffer from
severe mood swings.
• Binge drinking may lead to immoral, violent and
anti-social behavior.
• Even a single night of binge drinking is known to cause
the release of harmful toxins in the person’s bloodstream.
• If the blood alcohol concentration reaches drastic levels,
it may cause liver inflammation. also known as alcohol hepatitis.
• Researchers have established that binge drinking plays
around with the body to the extent of even altering its DNA.
• Difficulty while walking, slurred speech, blurred vision,
impaired memory, etc. are minor effects of binge drinking. But what all these
minor symptoms point towards is a matter of grave concern. Binge drinking
affects the brain and hampers its steady functioning.
• Even after the person achieves sobriety, the effects of binge
drinking still persist.
• A chronic habit of binge drinking has an adverse effect on
the person’s memory. The person may suffer from blackouts wherein a particular
memory is completely wiped out from the brain.
• Binge drinking may also lead to memory relapses.
• High level of alcohol consumption results in thiamine
deficiency in the body that leads to various brain disorders.
Summary:
Binge drinking does not only lead to a terrible hangover the
morning after. It, in fact, has far more serious repercussions on an
individual’s health.
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