The college years are often filled football games, finals, and of course, parties. Drinking to excess is considered a normal activity by many of our youth, most of which don’t know or consider the risks associated with consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short time. Most don’t think it, but binge drinking is an alcohol problem, and it can develop even further into addiction. Typically, binge drinking means five or more drinks in two hours for men, and for our more drinks for women. The following six signs are telltale indicators that your college student is a binge drinker:
- Risky Behavior – Fighting, drinking and driving, unprotected sex, and other health and safety risks are indicative of a drinking problem.
- Same Drinking Days – Weekends tend to be the time when binge drinkers let loose. Though they might not drink everyday, they could still have a problem.
- Unable to Set Limits – Like an alcoholic, binge drinkers may attempt to have only one or two drinks, but end up drinking much more.
- Blacking Out – High amounts of alcohol in short time frames often equates to an individual having no memory of what happened.
- Loss of Interest, Unless It Involves Drinking – Your child may ignore what she used to enjoy, and is only interested in partying and events where drinking is acceptable.
- Worried Friends – Your child’s friends know a lot about what’s going on in her life. If they are worried about her and her welfare, you should be, too.
Help is available for young adults with alcohol use issues. Though it may seem like everyone is doing it, and it’s just a phase, you could be dead wrong. Binge drinking kills nearly 2,000 college students a year. Additionally, nearly 100,000 students experience alcohol-induced sexual assault or date rape each year.
The consequences of alcohol abuse are severe, and numerous. If you or your loved one is struggling with an alcohol problem, we can help. The sooner you address the issue, the more likely you are to have a successful outcome. Don’t wait for a binge drinking problem to develop into full-blown alcoholism. Give us a call, a healthier life in recovery can begin today.
The Lakehouse Recovery Center offers private, residential care. Our program brings together recovery and non recovery focused treatments to help clients heal and learn how to live life again, without drugs and alcohol. Call us today for information: 877.762.3707