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Binge Drinking

 

 Binge drinking is defined as consuming 5 or more drinks for men and 3 or more drinks for women per occasion. Moderate alcohol use—up to 2 drinks per day for men; one for women. Engaging in binge drinking rapidly increases one’s Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level and increases the risk of negative consequences. Engaging in drinking games and participating in funneling are examples of typical binge drinking situations.

 One drink equals:

  • One 12-ounce bottle of beer or wine cooler,
  • One 5-ounce glass of wine, or
  • 1.5 ounces of 80 proof distilled spirits

 Consequences of Binge Drinking:

  • Missing class
  • Falling behind in schoolwork
  • Neglecting job and personal responsibilities
  • Getting hurt or injured
  • Damaging property
  • “Black Out” spells (inability to remember events that occurred while under the influence)
  • Unwanted sexual advances
  • Rape
  • Legal troubles
  • Getting behind the wheel of a car
  • Alcohol poisoning
  • Death

 There are many factors that determine the effects of alcohol on a person:

  • Gender—women become more impaired than men do after drinking the same amount of alcohol, even when differences in body weight are taken into consideration. The reason for this is that women’s bodies have less water than men’s bodies do. In addition, alcohol dependence and related medical problems (such as brain, heart, and liver damage) progress more rapidly in women than in men.
  • Tolerance—a decreased response to the effects of alcohol causing an individual to drink more in order to get the desired effect.
  • Type of drink
  • Stomach contents—drinking on an empty stomach causes a person to become intoxicated with less amounts of alcohol

 If you or someone you know is struggling with problems due to alcohol, free alcohol/drug screenings, information, and counseling can be obtained from the UL Lafayette Counseling & Testing Center. The center offers unlimited number of sessions, free of charge, to all UL Lafayette students, faculty and staff. Call 337-482-6480 or stop by the Saucier Wellness Center (OK Allen Hall).