The Dangers of Binge Drinking

The Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) January 2012 Vital Signs report focused on binge drinking. The report had some startling statistics including over “90% of the alcohol youth drink is while binge drinking.” That means those under 21 will over consume alcoholic beverages almost every time they drink.

Binge drinking has serious consequences. The report noted that binge drinking “can lead to 54 different injuries and diseases, including car crashes, violence, and sexually-transmitted diseases.” The finding that got our attention indicated “the chance of getting sick and dying from alcohol problems increases significantly for those who binge drink more often and drink more when they do.”

At Aware Awake Alive, we hope young people will familiarize themselves with both the signs of alcohol poisoning and the 911 lifeline laws in case their friends are in a situation where medical attention is needed. Knowing when to call for help can save lives.

The CDC recognizes binge drinking as a serious, nationwide problem. They offer solutions for local and federal governments and health-care providers to curb binge drinking. They also offer a simple solution we should all follow: “choose not to binge drink… and help others not to do it.”

For the CDC’s January 2012 Vital Signs report, click here.