Binge Drinking
Binge drinking is drinking a large quantity of
alcohol in a short period of time, usually for the purpose of
getting drunk. Men who consumer five or more drinks in one
sitting, and women who consume four or more drinks in one sitting,
one or more times within a two-week period are classified as binge
drinkers. A frequent binge is defined as a person who has
engaged in binge drinking three or more times within a two-week
period.
Recent studies have shown that in
colleges across the United States, up to 70% of the students are binge
drinkers. The average amount of binge drinkers on a college campus is
50% of men, and 39% of women.
College students, especially freshman,
tend to drink more than the average adult because they are suddenly free of
parental control, they are trying to fit in, and they may feel insecure about
their setting. Other reasons people binge drink include peer pressure, boredom,
stress and depression.
Binge drinking has serious
consequences which often lead to numerous problems on college campuses.
-
41% of frequent binge drinkers
participate in unplanned sexual activity
-
Increased risk of contracting STD's
due to lack of good judgment
-
Increases risk of being sexually
assaulted
-
Can lead to violence and social
problems
-
Can cause serious injury or death
Stage 1: Emotional changes
are experienced including loss of control, impaired thinking, and erratic
behavior
Stage 2: Confusion
stage. Double vision, disorientation, staggering, and anger may also be
present. If you experience any symptoms of this stage, STOP
DRINKING.
Stage 3: Unable to walk or
stand, vomiting, loss of bladder control and/or passing out.
Stage 4: (Coma Stage)
The final and most serious stage. Unconscious and at risk of death.
Alcohol poisoning is one of the most serious consequences of binge
drinking. It can lead to brain damage, lung infections, pneumonia, coma,
or even death. When a person consumes alcohol, it enters the bloodstream
very quickly. Within minutes, it reaches the brain. Alcohol
poisoning occurs when the level of alcohol in the body is so high that it
causes the collapse of the autonomic nervous system.
Alcohol numbs brain cells, specifically
respiratory brain cells. The brain stops signaling the body to breathe,
and the person ultimately suffocates and dies.
-
Call for assistance
-
If sleepy and listless, roll person
onto his/her side in order to prevent choking from possible vomiting
(aspiration).
-
If passed out, shake the person
gently or give a pinch to wake him/her up
-
If the person gives no response, but
his/her breathing is normal, make sure to constantly monitor breathing for
any changes in rhythm
-
If breathing is irregular, the
person appears unconscious, or his/her skin has a bluish color, call an
ambulance or 911
immediately.
-
Never leave the person alone, even
for a minute. Medical problems may not show up for over an
hour. If you are in doubt, call for help.
-
If the person is not breathing, use
mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and call an ambulance or 911
immediately.
"Binge Drinking", Boston University.
<http://www.bu.edu/wellness/healthupdates/binge.html>
©, Copyright, 1989-2006, District Attorney Nola
Tedesco Foulston, 18th Judicial District of Kansas
last update:
01/30/08
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