Last Updated on December 10, 2019 by Valarie Ward

What is binge drinking? It’s a term you’ve likely heard before, and you probably associate it with drinking too much. And you would be right. In its simplest terms, “binge drinking” refers to the consumption of an excessive amount of alcohol in a short amount of time. It’s an activity seen by students, working adults, and just about everyone as fun. But is binge drinking just a fun thing to do?

The Fun of Drinking

From the days of our youth, most of us were obsessed with one ultimate goal: Growing up. We saw it in milestones. First, we would turn 16 and start driving. Second, we would turn 18 and be a legal adult capable of making our own decisions. Third, we would turn 21 and be the legal drinking age, ready and able to par-tay!

Then, one day, we turn into adults (or underage adults trying to fit into adult shoes), and the world gets a lot more complicated. Suddenly, we’re trying to balance the thrill and excitement of indulging in a drink or two with all the rules.

There’s no denying the fun people associate with getting tipsy or buzzed. In fact, we touched on the sensation in our blog entitled, Is Alcohol Poisoning Real? We then busted the myth that there’s no such thing as drinking too much without serious consequences, and we highlighted binge drinking. But just what’s so bad about it?

The What’s What of Binging on Alcohol

How bad is binging? After all, we binge on plenty of things. If we’re celebrating, we might binge on cake. If we’re having a rough day, we might binge on sweets. What makes binge drinking bad? According to the Health Promotion Board, a lot:

1. Alcohol Poisoning: It’s a short-term problem that can take a turn for the worst. Binge drinking leads to poisoning that can be deadly.
2. Alcohol Dependence: A person who binges, particularly frequently, can develop an alcohol dependence. 95 percent of the adults battling a dependency started drinking before they turned 21.
3. Long-Term Harm: Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol leads to chronic health problems. Brain damage, heart problems, kidney and liver damage, and irreversible psychological problems are just a few of a long list of consequences.
4. Alcohol-Related Harm: Binge drinkers are far more likely to cause or be involved in an accident. They suffer from low productivity and a lack of normal daily functions. Unwanted pregnancy and even child developmental problems can result.

Why do people binge drink? One of the leading causes, according to KidsHealth.org, is curiosity. Newcomers to the realm of alcohol want to know what it feels like to drink, to drink too much, or to drink quickly.

What Parents Need to Know

Education is crucial. Our children grow up seeing alcohol spotlighted in the media and in practice by close friends and family. Sometimes the spotlight is favorable, and other times it isn’t. It’s up to you to educate your children about the truths of alcohol. You can accomplish this by:

• Talking about It: Never be afraid to talk about alcohol. It’s when we avoid the subject that a stigma develops, and our children grow more inclined to experiment in an effort to fill in the blanks. By actively talking about alcohol, we can prepare them for smart decision-making.
• Setting an Example: Children learn by example, and they remember what they see. You can set a good example by always drinking responsibly whether they are present or not.
• Positive Peer Pressure: Even when parents do their best to educate their children, there may still come a day when their child drinks too much. Instead of scolding or demeaning them for their mistake, try some positive peer pressure. There’s nothing wrong with telling them about a time you learned how much was too much. In fact, you can use this as an opportunity to further educate and prepare them for better decision-making.
• Staying Involved: A parent’s work is never done. It’s important to stay involved in your child’s life, especially after they head off to college. Your positive influence is crucial, and keeping an open line of communication can make a huge difference.

What Students Need to Know

Did you know 80 percent of college students consume alcohol? College might look like the perfect escape to indulge in the things your parents have warned you about, but before you leap, take a moment to look.

• Alcohol Affects Grades: Alcohol consumption affects the brain. If it didn’t, there wouldn’t be such a thing as alcohol impairment. The influence of alcohol isn’t limited to driving incidents. Binge drinking can alter the brain’s chemistry. As a result, your grades and performance at school can suffer.
• You Can Be Suspended: Underage drinking is illegal, no matter where you do it. While your older friends at college may assure you no one drinking on campus gets caught, let us assure you they are wrong. Campuses across the nation are working to crack down on on-campus drinking. If you get caught, you could be suspended.
• Underage Drinking is Illegal: We cannot stress this enough. If you’re under the age of 21, drinking alcohol in any amount is illegal. If you are caught drinking underage at college, you can be charged and tried as an adult.
• Drunk Driving Could Equal Jail Time: If you binge on alcohol and are involved in an accident, especially if a motor vehicle is involved, you could be in serious trouble. Breaking the law could equal jail time, and that time could potentially take years away from you.

What YOU Need to Know

Parent, child, brother, sister, friend, student or not, binge drinking is serious; it’s not just for fun. It can lead to an array of unwanted and downright scary medical conditions. It causes deaths every single day, and it’s one of the most controllable causes of death, according to the CDC.

The long-term effects of binge drinking include abusing and misusing alcohol. It’s a proven fact that overindulgence and binging lead to sobering consequences, some of which are chronic and debilitating. It’s a life-altering issue YOU have control over.

You can fight back against the misguided view that binge drinking is just plain fun. You can help educate yourself, your friends, and your family. The only question is, will you?