Do you wait for the weekends so that you can binge drink with your friends? While this social activity may seem harmless, however, it can have harmful effects on your body. Although excessive drinking doesn't inevitably lead to addiction, it elevates the likelihood of developing alcohol dependency. The distinction between alcoholism and weekend binge drinking can be unclear, causing uncertainty for individuals in determining when to seek assistance. We spoke to Amreen Shaikh, Head-Dietitian, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, who explained the ill effects of weekend binge drinking and how you can deal with it.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), binge drinking is defined as the consumption of five or more drinks in one sitting for men or four or more drinks in one sitting for women. As per HHS Public Access, it was found that there was a greater consumption of drinks during the weekends (Thursday to Saturday) in contrast to weekdays, accounting for 63% of all drinks consumed during the weekends.
Short-term Health Effects of Binge Drinking
We asked Shaikh about the short-term health risks of binge drinking and he listed the following:
Alcohol Poisoning
Shaikh said, “Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol in a short time can overwhelm the brain's ability to control vital functions, leading to alcohol poisoning. Its symptoms may include breathing difficulties, altered pulse, and body temperature.”
Injuries
Binge drinking often results in accidents, such as motor vehicle crashes, falls, drowning, and burns due to impaired coordination and judgement.
Dangers for Pregnant Women
If you are pregnant, it is important to stay away from alcohol. Shaikh added, “Binge drinking during pregnancy can result in miscarriages, stillbirths, or foetal alcohol spectrum disorders, causing severe harm to both the mother and the unborn child.”
Also Read: Addicted To Alcohol: Expert Lists Causes And Symptoms Of Alcohol Addiction
Long-term Health Effects of Binge Drinking
Shaikh also noted the long-term consequences of binge drinking which include:
High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease
Shaikh noted, “Chronic binge drinking increases the risk of high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, heart attacks, heart failure, stroke, and even death.”
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
Shaikh added, “Binge drinking elevates the likelihood of developing AUD, characterised by an inability to control alcohol consumption. Moreover, treatment, including therapy and rehabilitation, may be necessary for recovery.”
Cancer
Not only this, Shaikh also said, “Prolonged excessive alcohol consumption is linked to the development of certain cancers over time.” According to the CDC, consuming alcohol can increase the chances of developing several kinds of cancer, including liver, breast, colon and rectum, oesophagus, mouth and throat, and voice box.
Liver Disease and Digestive Issues
Alcohol can overwhelm the gastrointestinal tract and liver, leading to damage within these organs. According to HHS Public Access, Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) stands as one of the primary causes of morbidity and mortality linked to liver conditions.
Mental Health Disorders
Shaikh said, "Binge drinking can disrupt neurotransmitter balance in the brain, resulting in mood swings, irritability, emotional instability, and exacerbating pre-existing mental health conditions." According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, engaging in recurrent binge drinking during adolescence can disrupt the course of adolescent brain development engaging in recurrent binge drinking during adolescence can disrupt the course of adolescent brain development, resulting in lasting impairments in attention, memory, and various cognitive functions.
Also Read: World Brain Tumour Day: Can Excessive Smoking And Alcohol Consumption Increase The Risk?
Weekend Binge Drinking VS Regular Alcohol Consumption
Shaikh explained, “The severity of the effects of binge drinking versus daily drinking depends on various factors, including the quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption. Hence, consultation with a healthcare professional is essential to determine a safe limit for daily alcohol intake.”
Strategies for Reducing Harm Due To Alcohol
To minimise the risks associated with alcohol consumption, especially during weekend binge drinking, Shaikh listed the following strategies:
- Hydration: Consume a glass of water before and between alcoholic drinks to stay hydrated.
- Avoid Sugars: Refrain from mixing alcoholic beverages with sugar additives, such as syrups, fruit juices, or colas. You should also avoid cocktails.
- Choose Wisely: Opt for drinks with lower sugar content and fewer additives, such as gin and tonic, dry martini, dry wine, vodka soda, and whiskey water.
- Healthy Eating: Incorporate protein and fibre-rich foods like paneer starters, chicken prepared in a healthy manner, eggs, chickpea salad, vegetable salad, and grilled vegetables into your diet.
- Foods to Avoid: Limit consumption of carbohydrate-rich, high-fat, deep-fried foods, and fatty nuts when drinking alcohol.
Bottomline
Shaikh concluded, “Understanding the negative impact of weekend binge drinking and adopting harm reduction strategies can help safeguard your health and well-being. It's crucial to prioritise moderation and seek professional advice when necessary to maintain a healthy relationship with alcohol.”
[Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided by a registered healthcare professional and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you notice any complications.]