More often than not, young adults typically aren't likely to consider the downsides of drinking. You might think you're just drinking "socially," but you're completely unaware of how much you've actually had to drink.
When you're starting to "feel it," you may easily have consumed three or four drinks in a short period of time. This puts you at increased risk of alcohol poisoning, which, if you pass out or try to "sleep it off," can lead to death.
What are some other risks of binge drinking?
Other risks and effects young adults should know about binge drinking include:
- You are at risk for not getting medical attention because your friends don't want to get into trouble.
- Drinking any alcohol under the age of 21 is illegal. You can get arrested.
- A hangover, throwing up or passing out are likely.
- You may have to go to the hospital.
- Death can occur from alcohol poisoning or aspirating vomit.
- A crash could kill you or your friends.
- Addiction to alcohol is a serious, sometimes lifelong problem.
- The gross factor: ping-pong balls and cups used in drinking games like beer pong carry bacteria such as E. coli, listeria, staph and salmonella.
Lisa Lowery, MD, MPH, shares the risks and dangers of binge drinking.
Dr. Lisa Lowery is a native of Grand Rapids and a graduate of Ottawa Hills High School. She attended Michigan State University receiving her Bachelors of Science Degree in Microbiology, with Honors. Dr. Lowery then went on to receive her medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School.