Binge Drinking

Youth get in trouble when they drink a lot of alcohol very quickly—such as in a drinking game, on a dare, or when they can’t taste the alcohol (as in jungle juice or Jell-O shots). Drinking on an empty stomach is dangerous because the alcohol is absorbed faster. Binge drinking is defined as being four standard drinks or more in a two hour span for women and five or more standard drinks in a two hour span for men. Remember: Your blood alcohol content (BAC) continues to rise after you stop drinking.

HOW ALCOHOL REALLY WORKS:

Alcohol produces two different phases. In the first phase, common reactions are feeling euphoric – a little buzzed or excited (about two standard drinks). The physical depressant effects of alcohol occur in the second phase because of intoxication. Common reactions in the second phase are slurred speech, decreased motor ability, and impaired thinking and judgment.

MENTAL EFFECTS:

Binge drinkers can experience “blackouts,” or memory loss, and are unable to recall what happened when they were intoxicated.

SIGNS OF ALCOHOL POISONING:

• Repeated, uncontrolled vomiting
• Slow or shallow breathing
• Less than 13 breaths per minute
• More than eight seconds between each breath
• Cold, clammy, pale or bluish skin
• Unresponsive or unable to be awakened

If you notice any one of these problems, call 911.

• Make sure your friend is lying on his or her side to prevent choking.
• Stay with your friend while waiting for help.

DO NOT:

• Put them in the shower—alcohol decreases body temperature, which would risk putting them into shock.
• Try to move them—they will most likely be dead weight and you might hurt them or yourself in the process
• Give them coffee—the only thing that will sober someone up is time.