Did you know that 62% of Australians drink on a weekly basis?
Are you one of them?
Do you think you’ve been drinking too much?
If you think you’ve been drinking too much, then you probably need to consider going to rehab.
To help you with your decision, this post will provide information on the following:
binge drinking
- reasons why people binge drink
- consequences of binge drinking
- chances of binge drinking leading to alcoholism
- alcohol rehab for Australians
- seven signs to look for if you’re already suffering from alcohol addiction
- four things to look for in an alcohol rehab center
Reading this article is a good sign. This means that you are significantly self-aware and are wanting to improve. Read on to fully determine if alcohol rehab is already necessary in order to help yourself.
Binge drinking: what is it?
Binge drinking is a medical disorder. In strictly medical terms, it is referred to as alcohol intoxication disorder. To date, there are numerous definitions of what binge drinking is. In fact, the definition is still changing. But per the Australian Bureau of Statistics, binge drinking is a medical disorder when a man drinks more than seven drinks a night and a woman consumes more than five drinks a night. Latest journals peg the standard to anyone who consumes more than four drinks a night.
With this definition, drink stands for standard drinks. Per that reference, a full-strength beer is equal to 1.5 standard drinks while a regular restaurant wine is equal to 1.8 standard drinks. This is why most people can easily underestimate their drinking. You may very well be binge drinking and you don’t even know it.
Reasons why people binge drink
There are complex reasons why people binge drink. Experts explain that it’s one of the main ways for people to escape problems. It’s also the easiest thing to do to keep a person from dealing with failing or crumbling relationships. This is because drinking helps people forget.
People also tend to binge drink for the following reasons:
- they see it as a fun activity
- they use it to loosen inhibitions
- they use it to allow themselves to do silly stuff
- they get pressured into it
- it is relaxing
- it relieves their stress
- it enhances their confidence
- it helps them to celebrate
- to socialize
- society’s culture of alcohol
Consequences of binge drinking
People who binge drink suffer from the following short-term consequences:
- Vomiting
- Hangover
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Unsteadiness on the feet
- Forgetting everything that happened
Binge drinking can also lead to the following fatal circumstances:
- Assaults
- Falling over
- Car accidents
- Sexual disinhibition that may lead to STI or in an unplanned pregnancy
- Losing friends due to inappropriate behavior
- Drowning
- Death
Binge drinkers also suffer from the following long-term complications:
- Bipolar disorder
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Schizophrenia
- Increased risk of cancer
- Increased risk of having neurological disorders
- Heart disease
- Liver problems
- Poor immune system
- Anemia
- Illicit drug abuse
- Long-term alcohol abuse
- Increased risk of smoking
- Homelessness
- Greater chance of being convicted of a crime
- Social isolation
Will your binge drinking lead to alcoholism?
Being a binge drinker will not automatically lead you to alcoholism. It can, however, be a risk factor for developing Alcohol Use Disorder. Alcohol Use Disorder is the medical term for alcoholism. Studies show that binge drinkers are more likely to become alcoholics.
Alcohol Rehab for Australians
You can already undertake rehab treatment for binge drinking. Alcohol rehab can help you to stop drinking and avoid relapsing. You will undergo the following steps during an alcohol rehab, such may be done in or outside of a rehab facility:
- Detoxification – this will require you to stop drinking altogether. This step will allow your body to remove all traces of alcohol. This is a dangerous treatment and it can only be done with strict medical supervision.
- Therapy – can be done individually or with a group
- Medication – to help you in your cravings and withdrawal.
- You may also choose to stay in a treatment facility. You can choose to do this locally or you can choose to go abroad to trusted rehab centers like Calm Rehab Bali.
Signs to look for if you’re already suffering from alcohol addiction
You or your loved one may be suffering from an alcohol-related disorder if you or your loved one is showing any of the following signs:
1. Drinking in secret or by their lonesome
2. Drinking more and more by the day to reach a certain level of effect
3. Neglecting responsibilities at home, school, or work
4. Lying about alcohol use
5. Hiding alcohol use
6. Still drinking despite mental and physical problems
7. Still drinking even if friends and family voiced that such an act causes relationship problems
4 Things to Look for in an Alcohol Rehab Centre
If you’re ready to undergo treatment and you find yourself looking for a rehab, only work with one that has the following:
1. The rehab center must be accredited. It must have a licensed program that is certified by the Australian government.
2. The rehab center must offer detoxification and therapy.
3. The rehab center must provide for an aftercare program to avoid relapse.
4. The rehab center must be compatible with your insurance policy. Medicare can cover some of your rehab costs but it will not answer for all. This is where you will need your insurance.
