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Binge Drinking
The anticipation of spring break, homecoming,
sporting championships, birthday parties, RUSH week or Thursdays mean parties in
which alcohol and excessive drinking may be involved.
It is also a time to deal with its aftermath—being a victim of violence,
sexual aggression, arrests related to drinking, rapes, attempting suicide, using
illicit drugs, and even death. Further more, action images of the events,
not always remembered, may be disseminated on the internet. What about the
job rejection you receive years from now because those less than desirable pictures
resurfaced?
According to the CDC, binge drinking
for men is drinking more than 4 drinks during a single occasion or for women,
more than 3 drinks during a single occasion. The standard drink amount,
in North Carolina, is approximately an ounce of pure alcohol. Generally, this
amount can be found in:
- 5 ounces of wine
-
1 ounce of spirituous liquor
-
12 oz of beer
Some drinks may contain more than 5 ounces of spirituous
liquor. Therefore, a single drink can raise a person’s blood alcohol level over
200 mg per 100 ml of blood (0.20) fairly quickly in a “binge” episode. Depending
on the individual, the severity of intoxication will vary and may result in a loss
of inhibitions or a loss of consciousness and the need for medical assistance. Some
additional signs associated with intoxication, include slurred speech, emotional
instability, progressive visual impairment, confusion, vomiting, risk of inhaling
vomit in your sleep, or significant decrease in response to stimuli. Incidences
of violence, rape, and accidents increase with such activities.
An overdose of alcohol can be deadly. If you suspect someone has alcohol poisoning
(unconsciousness, shallow breathing-more than 10 seconds between breaths, pale,
blue, cold and clammy skin), never assume a person will just “sleep it off”.
Turn the person on their side, so they do not choke on vomit, then call 911, campus
police or the Resident Advisor (RA).
Resources:
www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov
www.stopaclcoholabuse.gov
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