Alcohol is a substance widely used by young adults. Unfortunately, the combination of alcohol and young adults is often linked to detrimental issues like binge drinking and drunk driving.
These behaviors can also lead to an alcohol use disorder if excessive drinking is left unchecked. We offer an alcohol rehab program to help patients get back on track with healthy living. Call Liberty Bay Recovery today at (855) 607-8758 to learn more.
Binge Drinking Habits Among Young Adults
Among many social circles, it’s generally accepted that alcohol and young adults simply go hand-in-hand. Unfortunately, this type of acceptance has led to a rise in binge drinking behaviors within this age group.
Binge drinking is the process of ingesting excessive amounts of alcohol over a short time to achieve intoxication quickly. It’s an activity that comes with a vast number of health and safety risks. Well into an individual’s 20s, the brain continues to develop. Participating in binge drinking can stunt that development and cause cognitive issues later in life. It also leads to the likelihood of a binge drinker developing an alcohol use disorder over time.
Effects of Binge Drinking on Young Adults
While younger people may recover from hangovers more quickly than older people, hangovers affect people at every age. Some of the most common effects of binge drinking can include but aren’t limited to:
- Severe headaches
- Hangovers
- Shakiness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Binge drinking can also lead to a repression of the respiratory system. At its worst, this can lead to a person to stop breathing altogether.
Additional Risks Associated with Excessive Drinking
Whether young adults use alcohol in social situations or independently, there are both short and long-term risks to be looked at. Any time alcohol is involved in a social situation outside of the home, and there’s an increased risk for a young adult to be tempted to get behind the wheel of a vehicle.
Young adults under the influence of alcohol are more likely to take risks on the road. This could be a choice to drive while intoxicated or the impulsive decision to get into a vehicle operated by a drunk driver. In this scenario, the risk is imminent for both drivers, passengers, and others on the road. Other risks more likely to be taken by young adults using alcohol can include:
- Fights
- Swimming while intoxicated
- Self-harm
- Mixing alcohol with other drugs
The likelihood of participating in unsafe sex is also heightened when young adults use alcohol excessively.
The Importance of Teaching Responsible Drinking Habits
One of the best ways for young adults to understand healthy drinking habits is to see them modeled by someone they admire or respect. In many cases, this is a parent or a mentor. Talking openly about drinking patterns and habits is vital to developing a healthy relationship with alcohol. Those who consume alcohol should be privy to information about the risks related to binge drinking.
If young adults can’t abstain from drinking alcohol, there needs to be a plan in place to safely get out of a situation when it’s gone too far. This might be a friend or family member lined up to call. It could also be a clear-cut transportation plan for leaving a gathering with alcohol if a pick-up can’t be arranged in time.
Find an Alcohol Rehab Program at Liberty Bay Recovery Today
If you or a young adult you love is grappling with alcohol or substance use disorder (SUD), team up with professionals who care. Contact our team of dedicated mental health professionals at Liberty Bay Recovery today by calling us at (855) 607-8758 or filling out our online form.
