Binge Drinking and How Too Much Alcohol Affects Our Body

As another year is at its cessation, it's time to revel in celebrations and welcome the New Year with élan. Many of us are going to have a whale of time partying with family and friends and welcome the new year. However, one must be extremely careful while consuming alcohol. Binge drinking, as it is popularly called, can take a toll on your physical and mental health.

What is binge drinking?

Binge drinking refers to the practice of excessive alcohol consumption. It is, however, different for both men and women. For women, having four or more drinks within a two-hour time frame amounts to binge drinking while in men, having five or more drinks over the course of two hours is binge drinking.

Why is binge drinking hazardous for you?

Binge drinking can leave you with a plethora of short-term and long-term problems to deal with.

Read Also: Younger Mothers Likely To Engage In Risky Drinking Behaviour, Study

Short-term effects

• Hangover, nausea while drinking and the next day, shakes, memory loss, vomiting and injury are common short-term problems associated with binge-drinking.
• It might also give rise to some behavioural issues. People affected might have to face problems with their self-esteem. They might start feeling regretful all the time. This can have a disastrous impact on their mental health.

Long-term effects

• You might also have to face some long-term effects like facing problems at school, at work and with relationships. The chances of being diagnosed with depression and anxiety are significantly higher. Your brain and liver can also be damaged.
• There is an increased risk of cancer of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, liver, colon, rectum and breasts and various heart problems.

Problems specific to women

There are some specific problems that women who indulge in binge drinking might face. For instance, it can increase a woman’s risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and premature delivery. The risk of breast cancer is also high among binge drinkers.

So, this New Year be careful with how much you drink so that you don’t end up starting the New Year on an unhealthy note.

Read Also: Younger Mothers Likely To Engage In Risky Drinking Behaviour, Study