Alcohol is legal for adults over the age of 21 in almost every area of the United States. Alcohol use is widely accepted and common in many social settings, public events, and for personal use.
Most adults in the United States report consuming alcohol at least occasionally. Alcohol has the potential for abuse and addiction, and some people struggle to control their drinking. Millions of people engage in unhealthy drinking behaviors, including heavy drinking and binge drinking.
Sometimes, people may drink heavily for a short period. They may consume large amounts of alcohol in the span of just a few hours. Some people refer to this as “going on a bender.”
A bender can be very dangerous. Binge drinking can lead to alcohol poisoning and other severe risks or complications. Binge drinking and heavy drinking can also be signs of alcohol abuse or alcoholism.
This article will explore what to do after a bender. You will learn:
- What a drinking bender is
- The risks of binge drinking
- What to do after going on a bender
- How to recognize the signs of relapse
- What happens in alcohol use disorder (AUD) treatment
- How to find an alcohol treatment program
- Where to find comprehensive treatment and recovery support programs
If you or someone you love struggles with alcohol or drug use, you are not alone. Find the comprehensive treatment and support you need at First Step Behavioral Health. Contact our treatment specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is a Drinking Bender?
A drinking “bender” is a slang term for binge drinking. Binge drinking is a form of alcohol abuse that can have serious consequences.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines binge drinking as the consumption of a large amount of alcohol in a short period. For men, drinking five or more alcoholic drinks in a short period may be considered a binge. For women, drinking four or more alcoholic beverages in a short period may be a binge.
A “drink” is not simply any beverage containing alcohol. The CDC defines a “drink” as:
- 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits (whiskey, rum, vodka, etc.)
- 12 ounces of beer
- 5 ounces of wine
In many cases, a “drink” someone consumes at home or in a bar may contain more than one serving of alcohol. For example, a mixed drink in a bar may include two or three “shots” of distilled spirits. A pint of beer (16 ounces) served in a bar contains more than one serving of alcohol. This can make it challenging to keep track of how much alcohol you are consuming and may increase the risk of a binge.
A binge or bender is a dangerous pattern of alcohol consumption. A binge can quickly elevate a person’s blood alcohol content (BAC). Binge drinking can quickly result in a BAC that is 0.08% or higher. This is the BAC level where people are legally considered too intoxicated to drive safely. This typically happens after four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men within about two hours.
Binge drinking puts a person at risk of serious, potentially life-threatening danger. People may experience alcohol poisoning, accidents, assault, and other hazards while under the influence of alcohol.
Many people may imagine that binge drinking only occurs among high school or college students. However, it is common among all age ranges and demographics. It is critical to be aware of the risks of going on an alcoholic bender and seek treatment as soon as possible.
What are the Risks of Binge Drinking?
A drinking session can leave people with more than a bad hangover the next morning. Drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short period is a dangerous habit that can have serious short and long-term risks.
Alcohol causes a range of side effects, including:
- Mood changes
- Drowsiness
- Slower breathing
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty maintaining focus
- Memory problems
- Relaxation
These side effects can change based on the amount of alcohol a person consumes. Drinking a lot, especially over a short period, increases the risk of unwanted side effects or dangerous complications.
Here is an overview of the risks of a drinking bender.
Short-term risks of binge drinking
A drinking bender can quickly raise a person’s blood alcohol levels, putting them at risk of:
- Drowning
- Being injured or dying from exposure to excessive heat or cold
- Alcohol poisoning
- Risky or unwanted sexual activity
- Being injured in a car accident or a fall
- Being the victim of a physical or sexual assault
- Losing consciousness or blacking out
People may also say or do things while binge drinking or on a bender that they wouldn’t normally do. This can increase the risk of relationship problems, social issues, and embarrassment. People may also be more likely to engage in reckless behaviors. These may include driving drunk or getting into physical fights.
Excess alcohol consumption also puts people at risk of an alcohol overdose. During a binge, people may continue to drink after they are intoxicated. This increases the risk of a life-threatening overdose.
Long-term risks of high intensity drinking
A drinking spree can put people’s mental and physical health at risk. It can also damage various organ systems. Some of the most significant long-term dangers of binge drinking include:
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Unintended pregnancy
- Physical dependence
- Brain damage
- Liver damage
- Damage to the cardiovascular system
People who engage in binge drinking may also have a higher risk of chronic medical conditions or a lowered immune system. These may include heart disease, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer.
Regular drinking sprees during the teen and young adult or adolescent years can cause serious problems in a person’s 20s and 30s. It can also lead to slowed brain development and other developmental problems in babies who were exposed to alcohol while in the womb.
It is critical to seek treatment if you engage in drinking benders or binge drinking. Binge drinking affects all age groups and demographics. Be aware of the risks of binge drinking and seek treatment as soon as you recognize it.
Understanding Hangovers From Drinking Alcohol
Binge drinking can cause serious, sometimes life-threatening side effects. The best-case scenario for a drinking binge is that someone arrives safely at home and wakes up with a hangover.
But what is a hangover? A hangover is a general feeling of malaise that can occur after excessive drinking. People may have a headache, nausea, fatigue, and other unpleasant symptoms during a hangover.
But why do hangovers occur?
A person’s body metabolizes alcohol into a chemical called acetaldehyde. This substance is toxic, leading to nausea, headaches, and other unpleasant symptoms.
Alcohol also interrupts natural sleep cycles. Poor sleep can leave people feeling fatigued, dizzy, or sensitive to light and sound the next morning. People may feel exhausted because of inadequate sleep.
Alcohol can also cause inflammation in the stomach and digestive tract. This can lead to loss of appetite and nausea. People may not want to eat or drink.
However, alcohol’s diuretic effects can cause dehydration. Not eating or drinking can make dehydration worse the morning after a bender.
Dehydration can also lead to an imbalance of essential minerals, known as electrolytes. An electrolyte imbalance can affect the heart, leading to irregular heartbeats and other cardiovascular issues. It may also affect hormones that regulate emotions, causing mood swings and other symptoms.
A hangover is a sign of excessive alcohol consumption. People who have hangovers frequently may need treatment. If you or a loved one struggles with hangovers or other signs of alcohol use disorder (AUD), you are not alone. Contact the specialists at First Step Behavioral Health to discuss your treatment options.
What to Do After A Drinking Bender
A drinking bender can cause immediate risks. People are at higher risk of accidents, assaults, and overdoses while binge drinking. Going on a drinking spree and binge drinking can also lead to uncomfortable symptoms of a hangover the next day. Frequent binges may be a sign of an unhealthy relationship with alcohol.
But what should you do after a drinking bender? Here are steps you can take to manage the effects of a bender afterward.
Take care of your body
Binge drinking is hard on your body. It may cause:
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Dehydration
- Inflammation
- Sleep disruptions
After a drinking spree take steps to nourish your body by:
- Drinking water or flavored drinks for hydration
- Eating carbohydrate-rich foods like bread, pasta, potatoes, and fruits
- Taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug like Ibuprofen
- Resting
- Engaging in gentle exercise, like walking outdoors or doing yoga
Engaging in these activities may help alleviate some of the physical symptoms associated with a hangover. They may help rebalance and nourish the body by providing it with what it needs after the stress of a drinking binge.
Plan to avoid an alcoholic bender
People may go on a bender for many reasons. They may lose track of their drinking, not know how much alcohol they’re consuming. Some may choose to “let go” and drink as much as they want in the moment.
After a bender, it’s essential to create a plan to prevent another one. This might include:
- Setting a firm limit on how many drinks you will have next time
- Planning to eat before, during, and after drinking alcohol
- Deciding to alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic beverages, like water or soda
- Choosing alcoholic beverages with a lower ABV, such as beer, instead of shots of distilled spirits or cocktails
Avoid drinking on an empty stomach and keep track of how much alcohol you are consuming as time goes on. Decide to stop after a certain number of drinks and stick to it.
Evaluate your drinking habits.
Going on a bender doesn’t necessarily mean someone is struggling with alcohol use or alcoholism. However, frequent binges or struggling to control your drinking may mean you need to evaluate your relationship with alcohol.
Be honest with yourself about your drinking. Do you have hangovers frequently? Do you often drink more than you planned to? Is it hard to stick to a limit you set for yourself?
If you struggle to control your drinking or you’ve tried to stop without success, you may need professional treatment. Comprehensive treatment programs can help you address the roots of alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Contact the specialists at First Step Behavioral Health to learn more about AUD. You may also explore our holistic treatment and recovery support programs.
How Much Alcohol is Too Much?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people drink alcohol in moderation. But what does this mean?
The CDC defines moderate drinking as:
- One or fewer alcoholic drinks per day for women
- Two or fewer alcoholic drinks per day for men
The CDC defines “heavy drinking” as:
- For women, consuming eight or more alcoholic drinks in a week
- For men, consuming 15 or more alcoholic beverages in a week
Prolonged heavy alcohol misuse can increase the risk of developing alcohol-related health problems, including:
- Liver damage
- Cardiovascular disease
- Certain cancers (breast, colon, throat, and stomach)
- Brain damage
- Physical dependence
Heavy drinking can have severe short and long-term risks. It is essential to seek treatment as soon as you recognize the signs of addiction in yourself or a loved one.
Comprehensive treatment and support can help you stop drinking safely. They can also help you develop the skills to prevent relapse in the future. Recognizing the signs of frequent alcohol intoxication and alcoholism is often the first step in getting life-saving treatment.
Recognizing the Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder
It can be challenging to recognize the signs of alcoholism. Many people drink alcohol and go on benders, and it is available in many social settings. For many, drinking is part of everyday life. It can sometimes be difficult to determine when drinking has crossed the line to become a problematic habit.
Recognizing the signs of alcohol misuse is the first step toward life-saving treatment. Some of the signs of alcoholism include:
- Having cravings for alcohol
- Frequently drinking more than you intended to
- Developing tolerance (needing to drink more to get “buzzed” or being able to drink a lot without appearing intoxicated)
- Having social, legal, or financial trouble related to drinking
- Doing dangerous things while drinking, such as driving drunk or having unsafe sex
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you stop drinking (insomnia, anxiety, sweating, nausea, tremors)
- Feeling like you cannot control or stop your drinking when you choose
People with alcohol dependence typically cannot choose to stop drinking. They may continue to drink, even when drinking causes significant harm. They may keep drinking even after facing serious health problems, relationship and job losses, injuries, and other severe consequences.
People who develop a problem with alcohol often need intensive professional treatment to stop safely. If you recognize signs of alcohol addiction in yourself or a loved one, seek treatment as soon as possible.
Recognizing the Stages of Relapse
In some cases, a drinking binge may occur during a relapse. A relapse is a return to substance use after a period of abstinence or sobriety. People in recovery from alcoholism may experience a relapse, which may feel like a significant setback.
It is critical to remember that a relapse is not the end of the road. It is not a sign that recovery is impossible. Relapses are common in recovery and may be a sign that you need more support or more treatment.
Emotional relapse
An emotional relapse may involve feeling overwhelmed, stressed, bored, or lonely. Uncomfortable emotions and unmanageable challenges can cause people to abandon healthy coping skills. People may:
Skip meetings and appointments- Neglect responsibilities
- Isolate
- Eat an unhealthy diet
- Sleep irregularly
These and other unhealthy patterns may be signs of an emotional relapse.
Mental relapse
A mental relapse involves thinking about how or when you would drink again. People may justify their drinking with thoughts like:
- “I quit once before, so I can do it again.”
- “I deserve to drink since I’ve been working so hard.”
- “I’ll only drink on vacation/my birthday/until this challenging period is over.”
Without intervention at this stage, people are likely to relapse physically.
Physical relapse
A physical relapse includes drinking alcohol again. It also includes all the activities that led up to drinking, such as driving to the bar or buying alcohol at the liquor store.
Going on a bender shows that it may be time to spend more time on your recovery. Repeated episodes of drinking may indicate that it’s time to go back to rehab.
Recognizing the early stages of a relapse can keep it from progressing to a physical relapse. Contact the specialists at First Step Behavioral Health to learn more about moving forward after a relapse. Explore our treatment and recovery support programs or learn more about our relapse-prevention resources by reaching out today.
Treating Alcohol Addiction: The Stages of Treatment
Prolonged periods of heavy drinking can change how the brain and body function. These changes can make it very hard for people to quit drinking when they want to.
When someone with an alcohol problem stops drinking, they are likely to experience uncomfortable or dangerous withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms may include:
- Tremors
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
Some people may develop dangerous withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Delirium tremens (DTs)
- Seizures
- Dangerously elevated body temperature
- Life-threatening dehydration
Comprehensive AUD treatment can help people quit drinking safely. Here is an overview of what to expect during a treatment program.
Assessment
A medical professional will assess a person’s likelihood of withdrawal complications. They will also evaluate the severity of their condition, mental health conditions, and general needs during detox and treatment.
Detox
A medically-supported detox program can help people have a safe, complete detox from alcohol and other substances. A detox treatment plan might include:
- Medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms
- Round-the-clock supervision and access to medical care
- Emotional support, including individual and group counseling when appropriate
- Education
- Holistic therapies to support mind and body health, such as nutrition support, yoga, and mindfulness
Detox treatment programs can help people safely navigate withdrawal and prepare for comprehensive treatment later on.
Treatment
A comprehensive treatment program helps people explore and address the roots of alcohol misuse. A treatment program might include:
- Medications to manage lingering withdrawal symptoms
- Behavioral therapies
- Family, group, and individual counseling
- Relapse prevention education
- Holistic therapies to nourish the mind, body, and spirit, such as creative expression, exercise, nature therapy, and more
- Aftercare planning
People may attend inpatient or outpatient treatment programs, depending on their unique needs. Many people start their recovery journeys in inpatient care before transitioning to an outpatient program.
Aftercare
People with AUD must develop aftercare plans after completing treatment. An aftercare plan can help people stay committed to recovery after rehab.
An aftercare plan might include:
- Attending 12-step meetings
- Receiving regular mental health and medical care
- Taking medications
- Attending individual therapy
- Participating in support groups
- Living in a sober community
During treatment, people will work with social workers and other treatment staff to develop a solid aftercare plan. This plan can help people stay on track in their recovery after rehab.
How to Find Alcohol Addiction Treatment
If you or someone you love struggles with alcohol misuse, it’s extremely important to seek treatment right away. There are several ways you can find the treatment and support you need to address AUD.
You may:
- Ask a medical or mental health professional for a referral to treatment
- Contact a representative from your insurance company to explore treatment options
- Search online for local treatment options
- Contact the intake specialists at First Step Behavioral Health for assistance
Insurance typically covers some or all of the costs associated with substance abuse and mental health treatment. It may cover:
- Assessments and screenings
- Medical detox programs
- Medically-assisted treatment (MAT) programs
- Inpatient detox and treatment programs
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
- Outpatient rehab and mental health programs
- Therapy
- Medications
- Medical treatments
You must verify the details of your insurance plan before seeking treatment. Plans may vary significantly and offer different levels of coverage for programs and services. Contact your insurance company to learn more about your plan. Or, contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists for help verifying your insurance.
Find Treatment for Excessive Alcohol Use Now
Alcoholism binges, heavy drinking, and other forms of excessive alcohol use are signs that you need professional treatment. Comprehensive treatment can help you overcome alcohol abuse and maintain sobriety for life. The treatment programs at First Step Behavioral Health provide comprehensive, evidence-based care. This type of support can empower people on their lifelong recovery journeys.
If you or someone you love struggles with alcohol abuse, you are not alone. Contact the treatment team at First Step Behavioral Health to learn about our treatment programs. You may also ask questions or schedule an intake appointment. Take the first step of your recovery journey by reaching out today.
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): About Standard Drink Sizes
- Wiley Online Library: Binge drinking: A review and research agenda
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Binge Drinking’s Effects on the Body
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Alcohol Use and Your Health
- Psychiatry Online: Overview of Alcohol Use Disorder
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Alcohol’s Effects on Health
