The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the most prevalent age group for binge drinking is young adults. Additionally, the CDC states that one in six adults binge drink. This form of drinking is one of the most costly habits, leading in many cases to serious long-term effects. Clearview understands the seriousness of this condition and wants to help you and your daughter overcome it. 

What Is Binge Drinking?

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), binge drinking is defined as when men consume five or more and women consume four or more drinks within two hours. This behavior doesn’t mean the individual is dependent on alcohol, but this way of drinking can lead to alcohol disorders if left unaddressed.  

The Prevalence of Binge Drinking in Younger Populations

The CDC reports that 14% of high school students and 21% of people 18-24 years old have admitted to binge drinking. Of the high school students who binge drank, 44% stated they consumed more than eight drinks in a row on the occasion. These statistics suggest that underage drinking and binge drinking are more common than we may realize.

Between the ages of 12 and 20, 90% of the alcoholic drinks consumed are done so through binge drinking, according to the NIAAA. What’s more, 3.2 million individuals within this age range admit to binge drinking at least once a month. A total of 646,000 stated they binge drank on five or more days in the previous month. 

Alcohol is more widely consumed in the teen years than tobacco or marijuana. In the group that was surveyed, more girls than boys reported consuming alcohol and binge drinking during the previous month. 

Binge Drinking Prevention

Preventing binge drinking can be accomplished through many avenues, and there are different levels of prevention. These levels have their own way of stopping younger individuals from binge drinking. The levels are as follows:

  • Individual: At this level, authorities can change the way youth see drinking so they can resist consuming alcohol.
  • School: Schools can teach youth about alcohol consumption and provide support and motivation for abstinence.
  • Family: Guardians can set rules around drinking and positively communicate with their youth about alcohol.

How Parents Can Help

Parents and guardians play a significant role in helping their youth abstain from alcohol. They are the ones who have the most opportunity to communicate with and educate their youth about alcohol, set rules and boundaries, and influence their attitudes towards alcohol consumption. 

Some ways parents can help their youth avoid alcohol problems include:

  • Drinking responsibly
  • Educating them about alcohol effects
  • Making alcohol inaccessible
  • Knowing who their teen is surrounding themselves with
  • Connecting and communicating regularly with their teen
  • Encouraging their teen to participate in other healthy activities

At Clearview, we can help parents connect with their daughters and help them through their binge drinking. We can also help with related co-occurring conditions and get to the underlying reason behind their daughter’s binge drinking. Through our different therapies, we can help young ladies connect with themselves, change their thought processes and behaviors, and become the positive young adults they want to be. We also focus on education during treatment so they are not behind with their studies but instead can improve and prosper. 

Long-Term Effects of Binge Drinking

There are many different risks and long-term effects of binge drinking. These include addiction, alcohol use disorder (AUD), cancer, chronic diseases, and more. 

Alcohol Use Disorder and Addiction

AUD is defined as an individual who is unable to control their alcohol consumption even when there are known negative consequences related to it. This classification encompasses various alcohol-related conditions, including addiction. According to an NIAAA survey, in 2021, 753,000 youths between the ages of 12 and 17 struggled with AUD and 28.8 million individuals 18 and older struggled with AUD. 

The NIAAA states that alcohol misuse, including binge drinking, can increase an individual’s risk of AUD. Also, those who participated in underage drinking were more likely to misuse alcohol and develop AUD. Other co-occurring mental and physical conditions can also increase an individual’s likelihood of AUD development. 

Symptoms of AUD include:

  • Drinking more or longer than intended
  • Failing to limit or stop alcohol consumption
  • Being consumed with thoughts of obtaining alcohol and drinking
  • Continuing to drink even when experiencing adverse effects related to it
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking for a period of time

Treatment can include:

  • Medication
  • Detoxification 
  • Behavioral therapy
  • Support groups

Cancer

Different types of cancer that binge drinkers are at a higher risk of developing include:

  • Breast
  • Liver
  • Colon
  • Rectum
  • Mouth
  • Pharynx
  • Larynx
  • Esophageal

Chronic Diseases

Conditions related to major organs that can arise from binge drinking include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease
  • Liver disease
  • Stroke

Other Risks of Binge Drinking

Some other risks associated with binge drinking, according to the CDC, include:

  • Accidental injury to self and others
  • Increased risk of violence
  • Sexually transmitted diseases
  • Unplanned pregnancies
  • Negative pregnancy outcomes
  • Higher prevalence of risky behaviors
  • Memory and learning difficulties

The prevalence of binge drinking is highest in teens and young adults, and this behavior can lead to serious long-term effects. These effects include mental and physical conditions that can require lifelong treatment. Some of these conditions include alcohol use disorder (AUD), addiction, cancer, cardiac problems, and memory or learning difficulties. This type of excessive drinking can be the most costly physically and mentally. If you are struggling with binge drinking or suspect your daughter is, we can help. At Clearview Horizon Girls Academy, we understand the risks associated with binge drinking and want to help your daughter overcome this behavior. You don’t have to go through this alone. Reach out and talk to a representative today at 866-584-4788.