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Alcohol Binge Effects

Binge drinking is a term that describes consuming alcohol solely for the purpose of becoming drunk, whether the alcohol is beer, wine or liquor. Binge drinking is commonly done in social settings, oftentimes with college-aged individuals. Many potentially harmful effects and consequences can occur as a result of engaging in binge drinking, as the behavior can lead to both short and long-term results.

  1. Short-Term Physical Effects

    • Binge drinking can trigger a variety of unpleasant short-term effects. These effects include loss of memory, injuring yourself or other people, dehydration, shakiness, nausea and hangover. These physical effects tend to take place hours or less after participating in binge drinking.

    Concentration Problems

    • Binge drinking can lead to serious difficulties in concentrating and focus, whether on the job or in a classroom. Binge drinking is particularly risky for younger people, as excessive alcohol in the system can have negative effects on brains that are still developing.

    Judgment

    • Intoxication often brings upon problems with judgment. When people are drunk, they are less likely to be inhibited and as a result often do things that they otherwise wouldn't do. Binge drinking can cause people to make decisions that are less than smart, such as participating in sexual activity without protection or drunk driving, which is often fatal.

    Skin

    • One of the chronic problems associated with binge drinking is bad skin. Alcohol can wreak havoc onto the complexion by stripping it of its natural oils, which results in peeling, cracked and dry skin. Excessive alcohol consumption also can bring upon the flushing of the cheeks. This is due to the dilation of the capillaries, which causes higher amounts of blood to rise. The excess pressure forces the capillaries to burst, which results in permanent skin damage on the face.

    Weight Gain

    • Binge drinking can lead to both short and long-term weight gain. Although many people do not seem to think about it, alcohol is packed with empty calories. Each gram of alcohol consumed is full of calories, which doesn't even factor in the other things that might be hidden in the drink, whether it's soda or pineapple juice.

    Chronic Health Concerns

    • Drinking too much alcohol can bring upon a variety of health conditions, including serious liver and brain damage, the risk of stomach ulcers, throat and mouth cancer and higher chance of developing sexual issues (such as male impotency), heart problems and neurological disorders.

    Alcohol Poisoning

    • Binge drinking can also cause alcohol poisoning. Alcohol poisoning is especially common with young drinkers, such as teenagers. With this poisoning, alcohol quickly absorbs via the stomach lining and can lead to fatal consequences, with immediate signs such as seizures, throwing up, passing out, confusion, irregular or slow breathing, low body temperature and pale or blueish skin.

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