Binge drinking is classified as heavy consumption of alcohol in a short amount of time. Unlike moderate intake of alcohol, binging can have serious effects on the body, such as extreme confusion, vomiting, irregular breathing patterns and unconsciousness. Although 21 is the legal drinking age in the United States, it is not out of the question for teens to partake as well. If you suspect a friend or family member is binge drinking, there are several ways to recognize it.
Step 1
Look for changes in mood and temper. Someone who is binge drinking can have a short fuse, can become irritable over petty issues and can become defensive if you question him about his drinking. Be on guard for all of these signs.
Step 2
Keep tabs on her emotional state. She may have little initiative to do things now that she once found fun or interesting. Investigate how high or low her energy levels are, and be on guard for depressed feelings and thoughts. In the worst of cases, she also may have suicidal tendencies.
Step 3
Pay attention to his personal appearance and hygiene. If he is binge drinking, his clothes may be wrinkled and messy and his hair may not be well kept. Also look for bloodshot eyes and consistent complaints of having a headache.
Step 4
Be on guard for lying about the amount of alcohol she consumes and the frequency at which she drinks. You also can get close and smell her breath for alcohol if you suspect she is not telling you the truth.
Step 5
Evaluate his work or school performance. If binge drinking is occurring regularly, grades can be slipping or job performance can be suffering. Ask him how he is doing in one or both of these areas and see how he reacts. If he is hostile, then he could be binge drinking.
Step 6
Look for containers of alcohol placed in secretive areas and for empty containers in garbage cans.
