Binge-drinking trend during holiday season; what resources are available

SOUTH BEND, Ind. --The holiday season is here, but there’s an alarming trend that’s not so festive.

Binge drinking, or overconsumption of alcohol becomes a bigger problem each year throughout the holiday season.

The reasons for this increase in consumption can stem from many things, including attending multiple holiday parties or get togethers, or even because the person is feeling lonely or stressed out.

Alcohol.org noted that the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States credits ¼ of their yearly profits to the month between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.

According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Addiction, binge-drinking is defined as heavy alcohol use.

This varies for men and women: as a male, binge-drinking is considered the consumption of more than 4 drinks in one day or more than 14 drinks per week.

For women, it’s having more than 3 drinks in a day or 7 drinks per week.

It’s important to recognize what could trigger you to over-drink and have a plan to counteract that urge.

Peer pressure is a big factor in overconsumption during the holidays, and it can come in many forms.

It’s important to know where you can go for help here in Michiana, and Praxis of South Bend is one option.

Praxis offers assessments, medical detox, therapy, family counseling and recovery support for those in need.

Each program is individualized based on what the patient needs to focus on the most.

Some other local alcohol detox centers include the Alcohol Rehab Center South Bend, South Bend Alcohol Treatment Center and Choices Recovery Center, all located here in South Bend.

A standard, adult drink calculator tool, courtesy of Distilled Spirits, can be helpful for making sure you are only consuming the recommended amount of alcohol when you drink.

More information about binge-drinking can be found here and here.