Many people in the U.S. drink too much despite the known harms of drinking to excess. Young adults and college students, in particular, tend to participate in binge drinking, which involves drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short time. Binge drinking can be a sign of a drinking problem and lead to serious complications, including addiction, blacking out, and alcohol poisoning.
If you’re looking for addiction treatment in Tennessee, an alcohol rehab near Nashville can help you recover and achieve long-term healing.
What to Know About Binge Drinking
Binge drinking is popular with young adults and college students. Though often thought harmless if not done frequently, excessive drinking can increase the risk of illness, injury, addiction, and mental health issues.
Types of excessive drinking include:
- Binge drinking – Women who consume four or more drinks and men who consume five or more drinks in one sitting
- Heavy drinking – Women who consume eight drinks or more and men who consume fifteen drinks or more during one sitting
- Underage drinking – Any amount of alcohol consumed by someone under the age of twenty-one
If excessive alcohol consumption persists, it can lead to:
- Cancer
- Heart and liver disease
- Stroke
- A weaker immune system
- Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety
- Memory problems like dementia
- Relationship problems with friends, co-workers, and romantic partners
While there is no cure for addiction, treatment programs can treat the disorder and allow you to live a healthy and sober lifestyle.
Recognizing the Signs of Alcohol Poisoning
Recognizing the signs of alcohol poisoning can help you or a loved one recognize an addiction and get the appropriate treatment. Here are some of the signs of alcohol poisoning:
Physical Signs of Alcohol Poisoning
When you drink too much too quickly, you consume so much alcohol in your bloodstream that it starts affecting your physical health. Delayed or slowed response time is common, as is a lack of coordination or being able to walk. They will experience several physical symptoms that include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cold, clammy skin
- A blue-ish tint on the lips and fingertips
- Difficulty remaining conscious
- Slowed breathing
- Delayed gag reflex, which may result in choking on vomit
If you spot any of these signs in a friend or loved one, keep them awake and call 911 immediately.
Psychological Signs of Alcohol Poisoning
Alcohol poisoning will also affect your mental health and your ability to remain alert. Confusion and memory loss are common with alcohol poisoning. People who drink heavily for long periods are at risk of developing Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS). Also known as “wet brain,’ symptoms of WKS include persistent learning and memory problems, mental confusion, eye movement disturbances, and difficulty with coordination.
Alcohol poisoning is a serious condition that can lead to permanent brain damage and death if you do not seek out treatment.
Reach Out Today to Enroll in Alcohol Rehab Near Nashville at The Ranch
The Ranch in Tennessee welcomes anyone with an alcohol use disorder who wants assistance in breaking the addiction. Our therapists have experience in treating all types of addiction and will help you understand the reasons behind alcohol abuse and how to safely stop drinking.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, send us a message online or call 1.844.876.7680 today to schedule a tour of our private, home-like center.
