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We don’t need to see the statistics to know how binge drinking is reaching epidemic proportions in this country. There are special occasions which bring people out in their droves, particularly the young, seemingly to drink as much as they can. The newspapers have been full of pictures recently of the after-effects of Fresher’s Week at Universities throughout the country, followed by Halloween celebrations; no doubt similar pictures will appear around Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Unfortunately, staff in A&E departments in every big city will have to experience the effects of binge drinking every weekend throughout the year.
We are often asked whether or not a regular binge drinker is struggling with an alcohol problem and requires alcohol treatment. Many binge drinkers are not necessarily alcoholics in that they are not alcohol dependant, but they do rely on the consumption of alcohol to relieve stress or deal with problems of social anxiety. Regular binge drinking on that basis may lead to physical dependency on alcohol at some future time, but the psychological or emotional dependency itself may require therapeutic addiction treatment (alcohol rehabilitation).
It is important to look at the frequency with which the binge drinking occurs and the effect it is having on the drinker’s life. Factors to consider include the drinker’s behaviour and how it differs from his or her normal sober behaviour. Are they putting themselves or others at risk due to criminal or unhealthy behaviour such as use of drugs, unsafe sex or drinking and driving. Are the drinker’s professional or personal relationships being damaged? Are those close to them expressing their fears at the way the situation is developing? If you are concerned about the drinking habits of yourself or a loved one, take a look at our alcohol detox treatments for more information.
American public health bodies have identified binge drinking as being associated with many health problems, including intentional or unintentional injuries caused by acts of violence, falls, car crashes and other “accidents”. More pervasive health problems can include liver or cardiovascular disease, neurological damage or even alcohol poisoning. Not all binge drinkers are alcoholics or ever will be, but often there is an imperceptible progress to a daily requirement for alcohol. It is not necessary for that stage to be reached before professional help at an alcohol rehab centre can be sought and it is better to act before it is too late.
For more information or to discuss about alcohol detox programmes or alcohol abuse related issue, please call The Providence Projects team.
Nigel Radcliffe reviewed Providence Projects
- 5
23 July 2017
I’ve been in addiction counseling, treatment and management since 1990. I doubt any other professional has worked with as many different treatment centers, from the luxurious to the most basic. Whilst reasonable facilities are obviously important, I’ve found little correlation between cost and effectiveness. Its all about the quality of the therapists and the way they’re managed. I managed London Transport’s staff drug and alcohol programme for nearly twenty years. We used Provi because it worked. Dozens of TfL staff who went through the programme are still clean... See more
Paul Spanjar
Paul is passionate about high-quality addiction treatment and truly believes that, with the right treatment, anyone can recover.
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