How to Stop Binge Drinking?

Is your binge drinking habit becoming a problem? Binge drinking poses serious health problems, leading to both social and personal issues. Breaking free from binge drinking can be tedious, but with the right help and support, it’s possible. To learn more on how to stop binge drinking, continue reading.
What is Binge Drinking?
Binge drinking, also known as short-term excessive drinking, is a pattern of consuming alcohol in large amounts during short periods to feel intoxicated.
To address binge drinking effectively, you need to understand the underlying causes of excessive consumption. Several triggers result in binge drinking, from peer pressure to stress.
Common Reasons for Binge Drinking
Many individuals find themselves binge drinking frequently – but why? Stopping your binge drinking habits can be difficult. However, understanding the potential triggers is a great first step in recognising and addressing such habits promptly.
Common reasons for binge drinking tend to be down to:
- Social pressure
- Stress
- Coping mechanisms
- Culture and celebrations
- Accessibility and availability
- Emotional feelings
- Underlying mental health issues
- Boredom
Once all the possible triggers of binge drinking are recognised, you can focus on changing your habits. Binge drinking can be incredibly harmful, resulting in negative effects on your body and mind.
What’s Considered as Binge Drinking?
In the UK, binge drinking is typically defined differently for males and females:
- Male – exceeds 8 units of alcohol in one sitting
- Female – exceeds 6 units of alcohol in one sitting
How Does Binge Drinking Harm Your Health?
Binge drinking harms your health in several ways – both short and long-term. It’s easy to dismiss the negative consequences that come with binge drinking, but being aware of them is important.
Short-Term
- Physical issues
- Poor mental health
- Alcohol poisoning
- Aggression
- Increased risk of injury
- Dehydration
- Impaired judgement
Long-Term
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Increased risk of cancer
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Ongoing mental health issues
- Poor immune system
- Risk of developing an addiction to alcohol
Binge Drinking vs Alcohol Addiction
Is binge drinking the same as an alcohol addiction? No, binge drinking and alcohol addiction are not the same.
Although both relate to similar issues, they’re two different concepts. The distinction between both is more about the pattern of behaviour rather than a period of alcohol dependence.
However, participating in continuous spells of binge drinking does have the potential to lead to an addiction, as both habits are forms of problematic use of alcohol. Let’s take a look at the main differences between the two to help you understand more clearly.
Binge Drinking | Alcohol Addiction |
---|---|
A repeat pattern of consuming alcohol excessively | A chronic condition caused by the inability to control and quit alcohol |
Can go day-to-day without consuming alcohol | Require alcohol most days to get by |
Easier to control their drinking habits on days when they’re not binging | Difficult to manage cravings when they’re not drinking |
Usually happens in social settings | Happens both inside and outside of social settings |
If someone is binge drinking regularly while showing signs of addiction, it could imply that they have a dependency on alcohol. This is more likely to be the case if someone’s becoming unable to function normally or failing to control how much alcohol they drink.
How to Stop Binge Drinking for Good
Have you been asking yourself how to stop binge drinking? If so, you should probably address your issues before it’s too late. Knowing how to control binge drinking can be tough – but there are helpful tips out there to get started.
Change Your Behaviour
Changing your behaviour is the key to putting a stop to your binge drinking habits. Decreasing your alcohol intake is typically the best first step to take. Although it may seem difficult, it can be done with dedication and willpower.
It’ll also be beneficial as part of your journey to stop binge drinking to avoid places associated with alcohol altogether. This includes staying away from certain people, pubs, and social events where alcohol is involved.
Resist Peer Pressure
Are you being encouraged to drink regularly? Staying clear of bad influences is key to stopping binge drinking. Knowing how to control your binge drinking starts with resisting peer pressure. There’s no shame or embarrassment in simply saying no to activities involving excessive drinking.
Set Goals
Setting realistic and achievable goals helps to remain focused and dedicated to the journey of overcoming binge drinking. Whether it’s setting yourself a goal to stay clear from alcohol for just one week, or cutting down your intake when you go out next, creating goals and achieving them can push you to go further.
Track Your Progress
It’s important to keep track of your progress while you stop binge drinking. Remember – not everyone will stop binge drinking overnight. For many, it can be a steady process.
By tracking your alcohol intake, you can see how much you’ve minimised your binge drinking habits over a certain period. Recovery from binge drinking is a journey marked by milestones. Be sure to celebrate all your achievements, even if it’s just being alcohol-free for one weekend to begin with.
Consider Treatment
If your binge drinking habits are getting out of control or affecting your work and personal life as well as those around you, we recommend seeking help. By talking to a professional, you can discuss ways to improve your drinking habits before they become much worse.
There’s no harm in considering treatment, especially if it’ll help you in the long run to stop driving. Don’t keep asking yourself the same question – how can I stop binge drinking? Sometimes, the best and most effective solution is seeking guidance and support from the likes of therapists or counsellors.
Would You Benefit From Seeking Help?
Overcoming binge drinking can be achieved with the right approach and support. The combination of understanding triggers, building a support network, and adopting healthy coping mechanisms can be helpful for most people trying to stop binge drinking.
However, for some, seeking professional help is the best option. At Home Detox UK, we’re here to support you. Everyone faces unique challenges while dealing with alcohol dependency. Our home detox kits help those facing issues to become sober.
We provide tailored treatment plans to provide a personalised solution to suit your needs. By taking part in our home detox programme, you can kickstart your journey in overcoming binge drinking for good.
To find out more about our services, please don’t hesitate to contact us today. We look forward to speaking soon.
Get in touch
- help@homedetoxuk.org.uk
- 020 3955 7704
-
24/7 Helpline Support