The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released a first-of-its-kind report that shows how alcohol is cutting millions of American lives short by several decades. The report separates binge drinking from alcoholism and even distinguishes between long-term, health-related deaths and more immediate causes of death related to alcohol use. While both long-term alcohol use and binge drinking are dangerous to health, the report reveals that binge drinking is more deadly to Americans even than years of alcohol misuse. The following statistics highlight the urgent need for those who binge drink to seek treatment at a Texas addiction treatment center.
At The Right Step, we want to educate individuals about the dangers of binge drinking. Even if you do not think you have an addiction to alcohol, you may participate in binge drinking on a regular occasion which can lead to addiction, injury, or even death. If you are struggling with alcohol use, contact a Texas alcohol treatment center for help.
Dangers of Binge Drinking Statistics
According to the CDC report, one out of six Americans (38 million-plus adults) binges on alcohol. Binging is defined as four or more drinks for a woman and five or more drinks for a man. The report indicates that one in 10 adult deaths (2006-2010) connects in some way to overdrinking and binge drinking. Therefore, it is a serious issue in our country.
As many as 88,000 U.S. adults died each of those years because of heavy drinking, binge drinking, underage drinking or drinking while pregnant. Nearly 70 percent of the fatalities were among people ages 20 to 64, and when life was cut short because of alcohol-related death, the average length of time cut from the life span was 30 years. Even if you do not think you have an alcohol addiction, by binge drinking, you are feeding into the dangers of binge drinking. To get help with overdrinking, The Right Step is here to help. At our Texas alcohol rehab, we can help you form healthy methods to reduce your drinking and overcome addiction.
A New Tool
The CDC used a newly developed application to collect state-by-state mortality statistics and then employ scientific models to calculate the number of alcohol-related deaths. The tool can differentiate between deaths linked to alcohol-caused health problems (e.g., heart disease, liver disease) and more immediate alcohol fatalities (e.g., car accident, alcohol poisoning).
According to the report, binge drinking causes many of the alcohol-related deaths. Binge drinking is more common than full-blown alcohol addiction. Therefore, the practice of binge drinking connects to more deaths than alcoholism. Therefore, addiction is not the only dangerous thing about alcohol use. It is also very dangerous to consume a large number of drinks in a short period of time.
Responses To Dangers of Binge Drinking
Experts at the CDC suggest a few possible responses to the findings. Increasing the cost of alcohol while lowering its availability is central to the recommendations in order to reduce binge drinking and its effects. The CDC recommended:
- Federal regulations to shorten the hours when alcohol may be sold
- Controlling how many sales outlets can exist within a certain radius
- Raising taxes on alcohol sales
Heading into any weekend or holiday season, it is important to be aware that those who occasionally binge on alcohol pose the greatest danger to life and limb. Many people do not realize that it is having one too many once in a while that is the deadliest risk. At The Right Step, we recommend looking into our individual therapy program and group therapy program if you are drinking more than is recommended.
Contact The Right Step
If you are struggling with alcohol use or binge drinking, contact The Right Step for help at 17135283709. Our professionals are here to help you live a life that is free from alcohol and addiction.
