Alcohol. A common adult drink for entertainment and many times enjoyed without concern. However, what seems “normal” can all too often turn into a problem.
In fact, the CDC reports over 20% of Minnesotans participate in binge drinking. This percentage is notably above the 16% nationwide prevalence and places Minnesota in the highest range when compared to other states.
Binge drinking is defined as 5 or more drinks per occasion for men and 4 or more drinks for women (CDC.gov). Heavy drinking is defined by weekly total drinks - 15 or more drinks per week for men and 8 drinks or more per week for women. A drink is defined as one of the following, per the CDC:
12-ounces of beer (5% alcohol content).
8-ounces of malt liquor (7% alcohol content).
5-ounces of wine (12% alcohol content).
1.5-ounces of 80-proof (40% alcohol content) distilled spirits or liquor (e.g., gin, rum, vodka, whiskey).
What can Binge Drinking do to me?
The effects of binge drinking or heavy drinking include lost productivity, property damage, health effects, motor vehicle crashes, other accidental injury or death, risky sexual behaviors, violence, and legal consequences. Specifically, binge and/or heavy drinking are both associated with liver disease and unintentional injuries.
Other long-term effects include impotence, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and digestive problems, multiple forms of cancer, weakened immune system, memory problems (including dementia), depression and anxiety, or social problems including family problems or unemployment. Binge or heavy drinking can also lead to alcohol dependence or alcoholism (CDC.gov) In addition, individuals with certain medical conditions, pregnant women, teens, or anyone taking certain medications should completely abstain from alcohol.
Alcohol Use Disorder
Signs of alcohol use disorder (alcohol dependence, alcoholism) include an inability to limit drinking, continuing to drink despite personal or professional problems (job loss or decreased productivity at work), needing to drink more to get the same effect, or wanting a drink so badly you can’t think of anything else. A full assessment can be found at https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/alcohol-use-disorders.
Health and Developmental Effects of Underage Drinking
Underage drinking accounts for 11% of alcohol consumption in the United States. It is associated with serious long-term consequences including effects on brain development and a higher risk for alcohol dependence as an adult. The CDC lists the following concerns associated with underage alcohol use:
Death from alcohol poisoning.
Unintentional injuries, such as car crashes, falls, burns, and drowning.
Suicide and violence, such as fighting and sexual assault.
Changes in brain development, which may have lifelong effects
School performance problems, such as higher absenteeism and poor or failing grades.
Alcohol dependence later in life.
Other risk behaviors such as smoking, drug misuse, and risky sexual behaviors.
Motor vehicle accidents (6% report driving after drinking but 17% of teens report riding with someone who is driving after drinking)
Social problems, such as fighting and lack of participation in youth activities.
Legal problems, such as arrest for driving or physically hurting someone while drunk.
Physical problems, such as hangovers or illnesses.
Unwanted, unplanned, and unprotected sexual activity.
Disruption of normal growth and sexual development.
Physical and sexual assault.
Higher risk for suicide and homicide.
Memory problems.
(CDC.gov)
We can all help by monitoring and controlling our own drinking behaviors; refusing to serve or supply alcohol to teens, children, individuals recovering from addiction, or those who have had too much to drink; and reaching out for help when needed.
If you think you or a loved one's drinking behaviors are a concern, please seek help by speaking to your healthcare provider or accessing support from the following organizations:
Alcoholics Anonymous: https://aa.org/, find local meeting calendars at https://aaminnesota.org
Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation 1-855-401-5126
Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge: (612) 373-3366 https://www.mntc.org/
References:
Data on Excessive Drinking: https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/data-stats.htm
CDC.gov
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OPS Clinics Information:
Mapleton Office: (507) 524-4000
Blue Earth Office: (507) 526-2211
ops@bevcomm.net
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