Dangers of Binge Drinking in College

Binge drinking is unsafe no matter how old you are. For college students, drinking too much can seem like a rite of passage. Parties and peer pressure can create an environment where college students feel like they need to drink excessively to enjoy themselves. However, binge drinking, which is defined as five or more drinks in a two-hour period for men and four or more in the same time period for women, can lead to dangerous consequences. Understanding the dangers of binge drinking can help you reach out for help from an addiction treatment center when you need it.

Signs of Alcohol Addiction in College Students

Binge drinking may seem like the “normal” thing for college students. However, alcohol is addictive, and drinking in excess can lead to long-term alcohol addiction issues. Some common signs of alcohol addiction include:

Needing to drink on a consistent basis or in increasing frequency
Being unable to control how many drinks are consumed
Feeling intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
Prioritizing alcohol consumption over studies, friends, or other responsibilities
Hiding use, especially how often or when they drink (such as drinking in the morning or alone)

When you notice these signs of binge drinking, whether in yourself or in a loved one, it’s essential to seek help. Treatment for alcoholism can be effective for college students when a person gets care as soon as possible.

The Consequences of Binge Drinking

Many schools have strict drug and alcohol use policies. Academic consequences are just one risk, though. Drinking may lead to the progressive use of drugs or addictive behaviors. This puts many at risk for health problems. In some people, binge drinking can lead to:

Academic and family relationship problems
Low self-esteem, loneliness, and depression
Mental health concerns such as anxiety
Risky behavior including engaging in unprotected sex or driving intoxicated
Difficulties with relationships and social situations
Development of heart, kidney, liver, and brain damage

College drinking comes with a significant risk, including in a person’s future relationships, career options, and academic eligibility.

Addiction Treatment for College Students

In a college setting, students must find a way to get help to preserve both their academic and health outcomes. The first step often is admitting there is a problem. When a student recognizes the signs of alcoholism, he or she should seek out addiction therapy in a setting supportive of college students.

Not every student who drinks needs detox. Many can benefit from intensive outpatient programs. These programs help students overcome their addiction safely while also allowing them to remain living at home. If a college student is still enrolled in classes, rehab programs may be able to help work out a plan to address the student’s needs so he or she can continue to remain active at school.

Therapy is effective. In therapy, participants work with a master-level clinician to learn about the addiction, its causes, and the recovery process.

Clearhaven Recovery offers a range of programs, including:

Once in therapy, students work closely with their therapists to develop strategies for overcoming the risks of relapse. It can seem impossible to be on a college campus and not exposed to alcohol. Yet, with the right tools and supportive resources, students can overcome their addiction and get back to their education. For college students who are ready to make a change, we can provide these resources.

Reach Out to Clearhaven Recovery Today

Alcohol addiction may seem to limit a person’s future, especially as a college student. Yet, recognizing that binge drinking is occurring and that it’s a problem is the first step towards recovery. At Clearhaven Recovery, our goal is to support treatment to enable college students to rebuild their lives. To learn more, call our team at 833.970.2054 or connect with us online.