Having a child that may be using alcohol can be unnerving and scary. With alcohol use increasing in the United States, you may wonder, is my child binge drinking? This question is a serious concern that needs answers. Binge drinking is a growing trend that is common among adults and young people. Young people could be more susceptible to binge drinking because it seems to be a commonly accepted practice in the United States. An excessive amount of alcohol leads to binge drinking. If you are concerned about whether your child is binge drinking or not, then Foothills at Red Oak can help. At our adolescent treatment center in North Carolina, we provide treatment for mental health and addiction conditions. To learn more, contact us at 866.300.5275.
About Binge Drinking
Binge drinking is more common than most people think, leaving parents wondering, how does this happen? How do I know if my child is binge drinking?
Binge drinking occurs when a person consumes a large amount of alcohol in a short amount of time. It results in your blood alcohol content being at 0.08 percent. Men and women require a different amount of alcohol to get to this point. For men, it takes about five drinks in a two-hour timeframe. However, when you’re dealing with teens, that number can be much lower depending on their body weight and other factors.
Since metabolism works differently in everyone, the effects may vary from person to person. If someone is used to drinking, they may be more tolerant of its impacts, causing them to think that it’s okay to consume more alcohol.
Is My Child Binge Drinking?
When wondering if your child is binge drinking, you should look for some immediate signs when you’re around them. These signs may include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Acting out of character
- Not able to walk straight
- Passing out and losing consciousness
- Potential alcohol poisoning
There are also some personality changes that people may exhibit if they are binge drinking. These include getting irritable, irrational, or reckless. In addition to the short-term consequence, there are long-term consequences of binge drinking as well. These include:
- Heart problems
- Blood pressure issues
- Stroke
- Memory loss due to regular blackouts
- Different types of cancer (lung, mouth, breast, and more)
- Liver disease
Over time, binge drinking takes a toll on people psychologically and emotionally. One problem is the person ends up feeling like they can’t go without drinking. They may start binge drinking more regularly, which leads to an alcohol use disorder.
If you are still unsure about the answer to the question about your child binge drinking, then seeking a doctor or certified therapist’s advice will provide some solutions. A qualified professional will recognize the signs of binge drinking and be able to provide answers.
Help At Foothills For A Child Who Is Binge Drinking
If your teen is addicted to alcohol, he isn’t alone. Over 400,000 teens in the United States also struggle with an addiction to alcohol, according to SAMHSA. At Foothills at Red Oak, our professional therapists are here to provide a helping hand for your young loved one. We gear our services toward helping young people find their way back to a sober life. We use evidence-based and holistic treatment programs and dedicated staff to bring about a life of recovery. Some of the treatment programs we offer include:
- Equine therapy program
- Family therapy program
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Group therapy
Don’t let binge drinking harm your teen any longer. Now that you know more about what to do if you think your child could be binge drinking, get them help. Reach out to a qualified treatment center for assistance. Contact Foothills at Red Oak at 866.300.5275, and we’ll walk beside you through the treatment process.
