-By Dr. Naveen Ganjoo, Senior Consultant – Hepatology & Integrated Liver Care, Aster RV Hospital

–       

With gathering, parties, birthdays- with cheer, too much drinking also tagged along. There’s probably no better time than parties’ starting to roll for all to indulge in the feel-good season, with cocktails in abundance and champagne corks popping during the fun part of a new year. These fun sessions are typically matched by our resolutions for the upcoming year of which we’re probably breaking some later on. But again, to what cost concerning our health?

The holiday season, for many, has turned out to be a binge-drinking period. Who has not experienced the phenomenon where one drink leads to five and, before we know it, we are stumbling home promising ourselves that we never again would do such a thing, only to repeat the cycle at the next party? But binge drinking is not just a harmless rite of passage; it can have serious-and sometimes fatal-consequences for our health, relationships, and even our safety.

Immediate Risks of Binge Drinking

Binge drinking is defined as consuming five or more drinks within a short time for men and four or more drinks for women. This seems harmless, but the consequences are far from that. The immediate dangers of binge drinking include hangovers, dehydration, and judgments of judgment, which cause injury, blacking out, nausea, and health complications. The immediate effects make binge drinking a dangerous activity, especially concerning accidents and violent incidents.

But that’s not all. Chronic binge drinking has more severe outcomes such as liver damage, risk of cancer, heart disease, brain damage, mental illness, and nutritional deficiencies. It also stresses relationships, causing problems in personal as well as social life. Perhaps the most frightening aspect is that binge drinking can lead to alcohol poisoning and may prove fatal for the individual.

The dangers of binge drinking are not only abstract. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that for people aged between 27 and 28, more than one in eight usually drink 10 or more on a given occasion. Binge drinking is decreasing overall, but it’s disturbingly common, especially among late twenties.

Those who binge drink highly and double or triple the consumption level of a typical binge run an exponentially higher risk. The higher the BAC, the greater the possibility of severe intoxication, blackouts, and poor decision making-all leading to accidents or assaults.

Binge Drinking and Long-Term Impact

Although short-term impacts of binge drinking are a serious matter, long-term impacts are much more threatening. High-intensity drinking, which persists over a period of time, is linked with an elevated risk of alcohol use disorder (AUD), a chronic condition that affects millions and adversely impacts health, social networks, and psychological well-being. It is one of the leading causes of death and accounts for over 140,000 deaths annually just in the United States of America.

Further, binge drinking results in permanent alteration in brain activity. Neuroimaging studies reveal that frequent binge drinking leads to structural and functional changes in the brain, particularly in areas that govern decision-making, impulse control, and reward processing It not only damages the abilities related to cognition but, further results in mental disorders and substance use disorders over later life.

5 Tips to Keep You from Binge Drinking This Festive Season

With so many temptations looming around, how can one be aware of their drinking habits during this holiday season? Here are five tips to curb binge drinking:

1. Set clear boundaries. Decide on how many drinks you will have before you go to the party and stick to it. Communicate with your friends and family beforehand to avoid peer pressure.

2. Hydrate and Snack: Drink some water throughout the night to slow your drinking and prevent dehydration. Also, Snack before and during the event to prolong alcohol absorption. Choose snacks that will not cause dehydration.

3. Find Alternative Fun: There are other ways to enjoy the event apart from booze. Play games, dance, or volunteer—there are plenty of ways to have fun without drinking.

4. Mocktail Menu: If you enjoy the flavor of cocktails but want to skip the booze, opt for mocktails or sparkling waters. You’ll still feel festive without the negative side effects.

5. Plan a Safe Exit: Have a designated driver or ride-sharing service to ensure that you get home safely. Never drive if you are drinking. It’s also wise to have a plan in place if you need to leave early or take a break from drinking.

While binge drinking is often associated with holidays, it’s equally crucial to recall that it has serious health implications in the long term. The experts have repeatedly indicated that the safest approach is moderate drinking. As we usher in the end of the year, let’s remember that binge drinking isn’t just a social hazard; it’s a public health issue.

The prevalence of binge drinking is still too high, especially among younger adults.

But with more recognition of its dangers, there is hope that we might alter the bigger culture narrative surrounding alcohol consumption to be healthier and safer.

Let’s be mindful of ourselves during the holiday season and make choices that will allow us to usher in the new year with good health and great memories.

  dangers of binge drinking, overlooking dangers of drinking