Many adolescents do not wait until they are 21 to start drinking. As a result, they form bad habits that they carry with them into young adulthood. Although binge drinking in young adults is currently in decline, alcoholism, combined substance use, and similar disorders are not.
More young adults find themselves seeking treatment for chronic binge drinking at addiction treatment centers where they can recover from their condition. Let’s take a closer look at alcohol abuse and treatment available for alcohol use disorder. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact Sunflower Wellness Retreat at 855.730.8825.
What is Binge Drinking?
Binge drinking is often confused with alcoholism or alcohol dependency. However, a person who binges is not necessarily an alcoholic. The problem that they are facing is a lack of control whenever they do drink. A young adult who goes on a bender once every two or three months may not be an alcoholic. However, they have not learned to control how much they drink in a sitting.
For men, binge drinking is consuming five or more alcoholic beverages within two hours. For women, binge drinking is consuming four or more alcoholic beverages within two hours. Beverages can include beer, wine, or liquor. The sudden rush of excessive alcohol leads to high levels of intoxication, followed by risky behavior resulting in many negative consequences.
Poor Academic Performance
Students that drink excessively do not perform well in school. This is due to the negative impact that alcohol abuse has on cognition. Alcohol addiction leads to anxiety, depression, poor appetite, insomnia, and lack of concentration. A student may lack the energy or focus they need to do achieve academically.
Mental Health Issues
There is a strong correlation between binge drinking in young adults and mental health issues. Some mental disorders associate with addiction include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Borderline personality disorder
- Panic disorders
A young adult who has both a mental disorder and addiction has co-occurring disorders. They may require professional care from a dual diagnosis treatment center.
Risky Behavior
A young adult who is experiencing freedom for the first time is more likely to test the boundaries and engage in risky behavior. This may include frequent binge drinking with friends. Drinking can lead to other dangerous behaviors such as illicit sexual activity, driving under the influence, or using other substances.
Other Problems
Binge drinking in young adults is often a sign that there are other problems outside of alcohol abuse. A teenager who grows up in an alcoholic family is more likely to develop a problem with drinking. They may have financial issues, conflicts in relationships, and problems at school or work. Alcohol can play a negative role in nearly every area of a young adult’s life.
Treatment for Binge Drinking
If you believe that you may have a problem with binge drinking, you may want to visit a substance abuse center and undergo an assessment. A treatment center provides services that include:
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Trauma therapy
- Holistic therapy
- Recreation therapy program
A treatment specialist can assess your situation to determine what type of treatment you need and how best to achieve your recovery goals.
Learn More at Sunflower Wellness Retreat
If you have questions about binge drinking in young adults or need treatment for alcohol addiction, then call Sunflower Wellness Retreat at 855.730.8825. We offer a wide range of treatments in our addiction therapy program. Call us today to find out more about your treatment options and how to get started on the road to recovery.
