What’s the best way to talk to loved ones about binge drinking? There was only one “best way” to talk about binge drinking. Every person is different, and every family has different dynamics. It’s not easy, and as parents, none of us probably feel ready to have the conversation. Binge drinking has, unfortunately, become a hallmark of growing up. Statistics show that college students binge drink at a very high rate. The risk of binge drinking can become a lifelong activity and transition very easily into physical dependence. At Santé Center for Healing, our counselors are prepared to help people struggling with binge drinking, along with a range of other substance use disorders. The answer to the best way to talk about your loved one’s binge drinking or the need for alcohol addiction treatment is to reach out today at 866.238.3154.
Dangers of Binge Drinking
What exactly is binge drinking? According to the Centers for Disease Control, binge drinking is a period of intense drinking that brings one’s blood alcohol content to 0.08 percent. Men and women reach this level at different points due to many variables: five drinks in an hour for men and four for women. The problem is that binge drinkers don’t usually stop at those levels. Some of the major dangers of binge drinking include:
- Dizziness
- Loss of coordination
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Poor judgment
- Loss of consciousness
- Death
Talking to Your Loved Ones about Binge Drinking
It may feel awkward for them and you. But talking about binge drinking with the people you love, in whatever way you do it, is a critical step to keeping them safe. More important than anything: Do as much listening as talking. It’s important to make this a dialogue more than a lecture. Some suggestions for how to talk to your loved one about binge drinking, according to the CDC:
- Ask what they know and listen to their responses.
- Talk about reasons not to drink. Peers are telling them reasons TO drink. Give the other perspective.
- Develop strategies for dealing with peer pressure. Help them figure out how to respond when pushed to drink.
- Anticipate questions. You’ll probably get asked about your own experiences. Be ready with an answer.
Getting Treatment for Alcoholism
Binge drinking doesn’t make someone an alcoholic. The diagnosis of alcoholism isn’t based on quantity; rather, it’s measured by the difficulties that alcohol causes in your life. To be more specific, if you keep drinking even though alcohol causes problems with family and relationships, school and work, health, and finances, you may well be an alcoholic. Binge drinking can be a precursor to alcoholism; if someone you love has reached that stage, you may need to consider getting treatment at a residential addiction treatment program. Treatment for alcoholism sounds scary, but many people have been helped and gone on to lives of happiness and sobriety. The main steps of treatment involve addiction detox programs — getting the alcohol out of your system — and counseling. Working with therapists in addiction medicine, we can help you learn more about yourself and build healthier coping skills. Santé Center for Healing understands. We support people above age 18 for a range of substance abuse issues, including binge drinking in TX.
Treating Binge Drinking at Santé Center
No parent wants to think about their loved one having problems with alcohol. Sometimes it happens. One of the ways to help head off these problems is talking with your loved one about binge drinking. If you feel a loved one needs help, reach out to us at Santé Center for Healing at 866.238.3154. We are experienced in all forms of addiction treatment and counseling. Our trained staff provides care and support through individualized assessments and detox, residential treatment, and other forms of treatment and support. Santé Center of Healing’s staff puts your needs first as you seek to step down from your addiction and move toward sobriety on a more stable footing. Call Santé Center for Healing today at 866.238.3154 for an initial confidential consultation.
