It can be easier than many people realize to have that “one drink too many”. If one is a social drinker or uses drinking as a means to relax, it can be really easy to overindulge. Negative consequences such as bad hangovers or illness is often treated in popular culture as perfectly normal or no cause for concern, when they are actually symptoms of drinking too much. There are a few reasons why recognizing the signs of drinking too much both in the short term and long term is extremely important.
The Potential For Alcohol Poisoning
When you consume far too much alcohol, there is a chance that it can be dangerous, if not potentially fatal. Alcohol poisoning occurs when you consume a large amount of alcohol in a small period of time. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include confusion, vomiting, difficulty breathing and lose of consciousness where it is difficult to be awakened.
For the sake of your immediate physical health, it’s important to drink responsibly. When one binges on alcohol in a single sitting, there is a risk of suffering from alcohol poisoning. If you or someone else begins to experience symptoms similar alcohol poisoning, it is absolutely essential to immediately seek medical care.
Excessive Drinking Can Eventually Become Alcohol Addiction
While there are serious short term risks that come with drinking too much, there are also concerns related to prolonged overindulgence of alcohol. The risk for alcohol addiction rises as a person becomes accustomed to drinking far more than the average. Cutting back can make the difference between an enjoyable evening and alcohol abuse.
“Low risk” drinkers are persons who are unlikely to abuse alcohol. These persons on average consume no more than three to four drinks in a single day, and no more than seven in a week. “Increased risk” drinkers consume either more alcohol than average in a single day or within a week. “Highest risk” drinkers are those who consume more than a moderate amount of alcohol both during a single day and during an entire week.
Every drink counts. Be well aware of how much you intend to consume, and have a hard limit in mind. Do not let anyone pressure you into drinking more than you really want to. Socialize responsibly or relax safely. Excessive alcohol isn’t necessary for either activity.
Too Much Alcohol Can Have A Long Term Effect On The Body
In addition to avoiding alcohol addiction, maintaining safe limits when drinking alcohol can help avoid the more serious consequences of enduring alcohol abuse. Excessive consumption of alcohol over a long period of time can damage the brain tissue, resulting in persistent problems with memory and learning capabilities. Psychosis can also be an issue. Long term alcohol abuse is also known to cause a great deal of damage to the liver and heart.
There are many reasons why persons may develop a dependency on alcohol. It could be hereditary or the environment hereditary or the environment they live in. Here’s a video infographic brought to you by Clarity Way Rehab that will explain some of these factors.
Hereditary vs Environmental factors of Addiction
Whatever the reason, before it gets to that point, listen to your body and learn to slow down. If you feel this isn’t possible on your own, don’t be afraid to seek medical advice or counseling. There are simply too many risks involved when it comes to drinking to allow binging behaviors to continue unabated. You owe it to yourself be be aware of how much alcohol you’re putting in your body. It’s also important to observe how you’re feeling, and when you’ve had enough. This type of self-reporting can keep you healthy and potentially save your life.
