Drinking is a popular pastime for many adults, and it is also a pastime for many teens, as well. While some may think it is okay to drink at a young age, the reality is that it often is not. Drinking during your teens can come with consequences, even though it may seem like something everyone does. By knowing the difference between casual drinking and binge drinking, you can be better able to discern whether you are in over your head, and whether or not you should seek help.
What Is Casual Drinking?
To many, casual drinking is the same as social drinking. This means that you drink in groups and at parties, and also that you drink infrequently. Some may associate drinking in college with this kind of drinking. If you drink casually, then drinking is centered around social situations, and it does not interfere with your day-to-day life, or your ability to function properly.
That being said, the kind of drinking you do in college may not be as casual as you think. Just because others that you know are drinking and seem to be managing just fine does not mean that they are. Also, the reality is that casual drinking can quickly turn into binge or heavy drinking if you are not careful.
What Is Binge Drinking?
Binge drinking is a type of drinking that occurs when you drink excessive amounts of alcohol in a short amount of time. This type of drinking tends to be more common with younger adults. College age young adults may be the most at risk when it comes to binge drinking.
Some may think that this type of drinking is not particularly harmful, or that it does not necesitate going to a young adult rehab program because the heavy drinking is done in such short stints. The reality is, though, that heavy drinking, even if it takes place over only a short period of time, can still have significant negative effects on health. Additionally, it can not only be harmful to physical health, but it can also be harmful to mental health as well.
What Is Heavy Drinking?
Heavy drinking is similar to binge drinking in that it involves drinking large amounts of alcohol. However, heaving drinking refers to high levels of drinking that occur over an extended period of time. With heavy drinking, the negative health effects can add up quickly. Those who are heavy drinkers often have trouble functioning in a normal way, or maintaining employment. They may also struggle in school, and have a hard time reaching their goals.
While the range can vary when it comes to heavy drinking, if you binge drink at least 5 times within a month, you may be a heavy drinker. This level of drinking is typically associated with increased risk for many health concerns, like heart disease, cancer and stroke. It also can put you at risk for many mental illnesses, as well.
How To Know When You Need Help
It can be difficult to know when you need help, especially if you are relatively new to drinking. However, if you find that you are frequently feeling physically uncomfortable, and that you are struggling to keep up with your regular daily activities because of the amount of alcohol that you drink, it may be time for you to reach out for help.
Some Final Thoughts
Many young adults may enjoy a drink from time to time. However, they may not fully realize the impact that it is having on them or their health. By paying attention to how you feel and how drinking is impacting your life, you can more easily decide whether or not it is time to seek help and quit drinking.
