The Reality of Binge Drinking in Wake County

Until very recently, doctors and healthcare professionals had not warned against drinking alcohol moderately. Recently, new research revealed that any alcohol consumption can be unsafe. In a society where drinking is so widespread and at the heart of rites of passage, family events, and cultural events, how can we rewrite the prevailing narrative around alcohol, especially with college-aged children? 

Apogee Behavioral Medicine are expert mental health professionals who increasingly see behavioral and emotional problems that are emerging alongside alcohol abuse and misuse. Often, the use of substances masks mental health disorders and obscures the real problems and symptoms experienced by sufferers making diagnosis and treatment possible. We would like to spread awareness about the signs of too much drinking, the impacts of short-term drinking, the impacts of long-term drinking, how to talk to your kids about drinking, how to moderate your own drinking, and how to support someone through alcohol misuse. 

How much is too much? 

According to the Mayo Clinic, more than three drinks for women on any day, or more than seven drinks a week is heavy drinking. For men, heavy drinking is more than four drinks on a given day or more than 15 drinks a week. Binge drinking raises blood alcohol levels to .08%. All drinking carries health risks. Drinking has been linked to serious health problems including various cancers including breast cancer, cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and colorectal cancer. It is also linked to liver disease and cardiovascular disease including high blood pressure and stroke. 

What are the signs of too much drinking? 

Researchers estimated binge drinking accounted for 77% of the $249 billion (i.e., $191.1 billion) economic cost of alcohol misuse in 2010. It is a problem that extends beyond simple alcohol use. Signs of drinking problems in others include ignoring responsibility, slurred speech, impaired coordination, weight loss, malnutrition, and facial redness. Drinking addiction escalates. Tolerance increases, loss of control of use increases, and withdrawal symptoms exist.  Alcohol overdose includes mental confusion, unconsciousness, vomiting, seizures, trouble breathing, slowed heart rate, and low body temperature, which leads to brain damage or death. 

Short-Term Impacts of Binge Drinking 

The short-term impacts of alcohol are a hangover, alcohol poisoning, or accidents including falls and conflict. Additionally, short-term impacts of binge drinking include poor concentration, slow reflexes, and slowed reaction time. Through the reduction in inhibitions, there is a greater risk of violence and conflict. 

Long-Term Impacts of Binge Drinking 

Long-term alcohol consumption may lead to pancreatic damage, contribute to liver and other chronic diseases, and increase the risk of several types of cancer, including head and neck, esophageal, liver, breast, and colorectal cancers. Liver cirrhosis and diabetes are other potential long-term effects of alcohol consumption.  

Combination Effects on the Brain 

Since alcohol impacts the part of your brain controlling inhibition. While you may feel momentarily relaxed, less anxious, and confident after a drink, these changes are momentary and are often replaced by negative feelings including anger, depression, and anxiety. Mental health concerns are often exacerbated by alcohol. Medication management is even more difficult with alcohol. For those students who had struggled to manage mental illness or ADHD prior to college, find themselves in a new territory where drinking is combined with medications. 

Alcoholism in College Students in Wake County 

College students face important transitions that can affect mental health. One of the rites of passage for many college students involves drinking. Whether the school has a Greek system, or not, drinking is a big part of social life. The Research Triangle Park is home to some of the best universities in the United States. The rates of binge drinking in Wake County have increased over the years and have shown little sign of slowing. Drinking-related deaths are the third leading preventable cause of death in North Carolina, excessive drinking has been trending upward based on data from 2012-2017.  

According to, The Epidemiology of Binge Drinking Among College-Age Individuals in the United States, binge drinking and frequent binge drinking consistently impact alcohol-related problems including physical, legal, emotional, social, and cognitive consequences as well as an increased likelihood of alcohol use disorder. Where risks from binge drinking and long and short-term impacts are high, having resources in terms of behavioral health is integral. Apogee Behavioral Medicine offers counseling to young adults, and parents who are concerned about their child’s use of alcohol. We frequently witness problems with alcohol accompanied by anxiety and depression. It is very important that parents remain vigilant over the use of alcohol. If you are concerned about your child or yourself, contact Apogee Behavioral Medicine today.