While there are people that can handle some level of self-restraint when going out on the town, others won’t bother to consider how binge drinking can end so badly. According to the CDC, binge drinking is defined as consuming 5 or more drinks on an occasion for men or 4 or more drinks on an occasion for women.¹ 

Aside from a messy appearance and slurred speech, some of the more detrimental effects of abusing alcohol include:

• – Financial consequences, and not just for the drinker: In 2010, excessive drinking cost the United States a whopping $249 billion. These numbers were the result of health care expenses, criminal justice fees, lost work productivity, and more.¹
• – A heightened probability for chronic illness: People that regularly abuse alcohol are at risk for developing an illness such as liver disease, stroke, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Additionally, poor nutrition and alcoholism often go hand in hand, making obesity, along with other mineral deficiencies, common.
• – Sexually transmitted diseases: Alcohol can greatly reduce our inhibitions and sense of self-preservation. Because of this phenomenon, intoxicated people are more likely to engage in unprotected sexual acts with people they may not even know. This can also result in unwanted/unplanned pregnancies.
• – Increased levels of aggression and violence: Alcohol contributes to devastating instances of violent acts, including suicide, homicide, domestic violence, and sexual assault.
• – A night out could result in an early death: Whether it is your first time binge drinking or your tenth, you are at risk of falling victim to alcohol poisoning, which an average of six Americans die from on any given day.²

These instances can have a detrimental effect on not only the life of the drinker but those close to them as well. At Legacy Healing Center in Pompano Beach, our alcohol rehab in South Florida also offers support for families that may be struggling to process the situation at hand. If these risks do little to deter a person from drinking, it may be a sign that a deeper issue is at play.

Early Signs of Alcoholism

There are a variety of ways that a person can show signs of alcohol addiction. Being able to spot the warnings early on can make a world of difference in the realm of recovery.

Some warning signs to look out for include:

• – Loss of time spent doing previously enjoyed activities due to alcohol
• – Heightened tolerance levels
• – Consistent craving for alcohol
• – Persistent loss of control when drunk
• – Drinking in excess
• – Persisting drinking habits despite awareness of the risks
• – Withdrawal symptoms, such as insomnia, vomiting, convulsions, and rapid heartbeat
• – Drinking in secrecy or by oneself
• – Becoming noticeably distant from friends and family

Should you find yourself exhibiting any of these symptoms, take comfort in the fact that you are not alone. Legacy offers South Florida addiction programs that will work to evaluate the severity of the dependency at hand and determine which avenues of recovery are most useful for you. Don’t wait for something to become more of a problem than it already is.

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