Best Treatment Hacks for Binge Drinkers: Recovery in Progress

By Your Health Magazine

Binge Drinking is the practice of drinking more than a surplus of alcohol within a few hours. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you can call it binge drinking when you are drinking five or more drinks at a time. For women, the count is four or above.

# The Immediate Harm

Binge drinking deteriorates your health over time, but its effects can also show up quickly. For instance, it elevates blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels to around 0.08 g/dL within just a few months of frequent binge drinking.

Most importantly, binge drinking does not discriminate by age. While 19.8% of young adults who drink qualify as binge drinkers, the problem is even more apparent among middle-aged men.

Do You Understand Your Binge Drinking problem?

This is a question that demands immediate attention. Here are some quick statistics to help you gauge how deeply you might be immersed in the problem.

Let us start with the basics:

If you are consuming 5 or more drinks within 2 hours (for men), or 4 or more (for women), that qualifies as binge drinking.

However, what is the difference between heavy drinking and binge drinking?

Heavy drinkers consume 4 to 5 drinks per day consistently.

Binge drinkers, on the other hand, consume the same amount, but within a much shorter period, typically a few hours.

Moreover, how do you define “one drink”? Drinking margaritas from fishbowls or beers from Boots does not mean you are only having one standard drink. In the U.S., a standard drink typically contains 14 grams of pure alcohol, which equals:

12 ounces of beer (5% alcohol by volume)
5 ounces of wine (about 12% alcohol)
1.5 ounces of distilled spirits (about 40% alcohol)

How to Prevent the Health Risks of Binge Drinking with Simple Treatment Hacks?

A basic hangover is never the real problem with binge drinking. The real issue begins when you start experiencing problems with reasoning, physical coordination, and overall health. If you have reached that point, it is time to seek help for addiction.

The list of risks is long. You may suffer accidents or injuries from uncontrolled drinking, and staying tipsy increases your vulnerability. Around 75% of injuries treated in trauma centers are alcohol-related.

However, that is not where it ends.

Binge drinking can also put you at higher risk of contracting STDs. It is linked to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts, especially in younger adults.

Most seriously, you could die from an alcohol overdose. When blood alcohol levels rise too high, your brain can lose control of vital functions like breathing, heart rate, and muscle coordination. Long-term binge drinking can also lead to organ failure.

What Can You Do?

While rehab is the most effective treatment, you can also begin a self-managed recovery journey.

Here is how:

Gradually reduce your drinking.
Get regular blood tests to check for liver, esophageal, or breast cancer.
Consider USG and PSA tests if you are at risk for ulcers or other conditions.
Change your diet: Eat less spicy food and lower your oil intake. Try to limit oil to no more than 250 ml per month.

Best Tips to Limit or Stop Binge Drinking

Turning down the next drink can be tough, especially when you feel in control after a few days of cutting back. That is why a proactive strategy helps:

Start swapping alcoholic drinks for mocktails, fruit beers, soda, or water.
Track your intake using a drink-tracking card or a free app.
Learn standard drink sizes. Avoid beer or wine if you struggle to measure correctly.
Stay focused on your ultimate goal: freedom from drinking. If complete sobriety is your aim, you will naturally reduce the number of drinks over time.

# The Closure

Making the switch from alcohol to non-alcoholic alternatives is a significant first step. You can also build new routines. Try going for a walk after dinner or a gym session to resist the urge to drink.

If you are still struggling, reach out for support. Many peer-led group therapy sessions are free, and some include professionals trained to help individuals with severe binge drinking habits.

The Bottom Line

Binge drinking is a serious issue, but it is preventable and treatable, even in its later stages. Follow these practical tips, and progress will follow.

If you feel you are beyond simple remedies, consult a healthcare provider. Over-the-counter medications may help reduce cravings and support healthy habits.

You do not have to quit alone. Help is out there.