If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Military Crisis Line at 988 and press 1, or Text 838255. You can also call 911.
There are many risks of drinking too much, however, drinking is still seen as a fun activity. But as we learned in The (Drinking) Limit Does Exist, it can be a slippery slope from one drink to binge drinking. In the U.S., binge drinking means drinking an amount of alcohol in two hours that causes your BAC level to reach 0.08%. BAC refers to the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream.
Key word: “usually.” Alcohol affects everyone differently based on many factors. For some, it may take more drinks to raise their BAC to 0.08%. For others, especially those on prescription medications or other drugs, it may take a smaller amount of alcohol to reach a binge drinking level. It’s best to monitor how alcohol affects you personally. Don’t assume you can have four or five drinks in two hours and be under 0.08% just because others can.
There are many reasons that people may push their limit. Perhaps they had a rough day and want to let off steam, or they are celebrating a promotion or graduation. Other reasons could be deeper rooted – people may rebel and drink because they were told not to, or they challenge their buddy shot for shot to prove something. No matter the reason, binge drinking is risky.
It’s easy to get carried away when you’re out with friends, or even having a chill night in. Remember that your body can only handle a certain amount of alcohol. If you want to check your drinking, take this anonymous and confidential drinking habits quiz!
