Binge drinking is a widespread problem—especially among young adults—and can cause a variety of health problems. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, binge drinking means drinking so much within two hours, that blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) reaches 0.08g/dL. This usually occurs after about four drinks for women and five drinks for men.
Many people who binge drink are not dependent on alcohol—in other words, they are not alcoholics. Binge drinking poses serious risks because it affects the drinker’s ability to make rational decisions, control emotions, manage impulses, and is associated with:
- Serious Accidental Injuries – Binge drinkers may suffer from many types of accidental injuries or even death when they are under the influence of alcohol. These accidental injuries may include car accident trauma, accidental drowning, serious burns, or falls.
- Firearm and Assault Injuries – Binge drinkers are more likely to be involved in a firearm accident, domestic violence incident, or some type of sexual assault—generally due to impaired judgment.
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Unintended Pregnancy – Binge drinkers often engage in unsafe behavior when they are under the influence of alcohol and may have high-risk sex, resulting in a sexually transmitted disease or unintended pregnancy.
- Health Problems – Binge drinkers who drink too much alcohol in a short period may die or suffer from brain damage due to alcohol poisoning. In addition, binge drinking exacerbates high blood pressure, increases the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease, and is associated with liver disease and diabetes.
Fairfax DWI Attorney Outlines the Health Risks of Binge Drinking
Binge drinking can lead to serious injuries and health problems, in addition to the legal issues that may arise from impaired driving and other alcohol-related offenses. Those who drink alcohol should drink sensibly and responsibly in order to protect themselves and others from harm. If you have been accused of an alcohol-related offense and need a zealous advocate, contact a Fairfax DWI lawyer. Call us and the initial consultation is free.
