LIFESTYLE NEWS - Binge drinking is a term used to describe the consumption of several alcoholic beverages in a short period of time.
When consuming alcohol, it enters your bloodstream and flows to your liver. On average, your liver can only process about one drink per hour. Having 4-5 drinks within an hour is considered ‘binge drinking’.
Binge drinking affects the organs and body as they are flooded with large amounts of alcohol to digest in a short time frame. This overloading of organs is at times more damaging than chronic alcohol abuse.
Physical effects of alcohol include:
• nausea
• dizziness
• slurred speech
• vomiting
1 Glass
• More talkative and relaxed
• Self-confidence increases
• Driving ability is already impaired
• Blood flow increases
• Attention span is shorter
• Dehydration begins
• Reaction time is slower
• Sex drive may increase
• Judgement may decrease
• Easily confused
• Noticeably emotional
• Sex drive could now decrease
• Don’t drink if you’re not of legal age;
• Don’t drink when using medication;
• Don’t mix drinks and don’t leave drinks unattended;
• Make sure you eat before and during a party or occasion;
• Know your limits
• Drink a soda or water between alcoholic beverages;
• Plan ahead and know how you’re getting home;
• Create a buddy system
• Ensure that you can call a family member or friend if you need help.
- Unconscious, semi-conscious or mental confusion;
- Slow respiration (8 fever breaths per minute);
- Cold, clammy, pale or bluish skin;
- Vomiting;
- Seizures.
Seek medical help in case of alcohol poisoning as it could lead to death. Ensure the person is turned on their side before seeking medical assistance.
A breath alcohol content of 0.24mg per 1000ml; or a blood alcohol limit of 0.05g per 100ml.
'We bring you the latest Garden Route, Klein-Karoo, Hessequa news'
