Binge drinking by Christian Bazhaw

Christian Bazhaw

English 1302

2/25/2019

Binge Drinking and its Solutions

            If there were to be a family member with a drinking problem, would it ever be an assumption that this person could be a victim of binge drinking? This is a common issue in the United States and an age that you might think is common would be young adults, but too much surprise, older people will also binge drink. Many will binge drink during social events in order not be socially awkward or anxious . People who binge drink aren’t considered alcoholics, but people who want to drink and will go to extremes of drinking a lot. The consumption of alcohol in colleges is where binge drinking is most common because teenagers are the individuals who will consume alcohol at different parties. Certain colleges choose not to stop the binge drinking because they believe alcoholism is an individual problem on it's own and not their problem.  There is a treatment to help with this pattern of drinking to prevent people from becoming alcoholics later on in life. Binge drinking discourages good mental health, causes a lot of internal problems, and can put a damper on all aspects of relationships, but there is a treatment to solve all of these problems. 

            An older definition of binge drinking meant heavily drinking over several days whereas today’s definition means heavily drinking in a single day. For instance, “Back in the 1940s and 1950s, going on a ‘binge’ meant an extended period of heavy drinking, possibly over several days, and was strongly associated with clinical definitions of alcoholism”(Berridge). There isn’t an exact definition of binge drinking because it has changed over the years and possible will keep changing. The reason why someone might binge drink is because they are depressed or they struggle with discipline and desire. People who have a traumatizing past might look toward the buzz of drinking as a way of escape rather than having to deal with the problems. A good, concise statement that the Oxford University Press uses in its article regarding the history of binge drinking is “It has a long-term, but also a recent, history”(1). This statement is correct because binge drinking is not just something that lies in the past, it has transfused into the future of many adults and teenagers(1). Going on a binge used to mean extended periods of heavy drinking, but now it more or so refers to single drinking sessions that lead to the intoxication(1). It is argued that the reason behind the change of the meaning of binge drinking in the past two decades is because of the shifts in the focus of the alcohol policy and dominant interest groups(1). Binge drinking was also heavily influenced by the Post-war alcohol policy that was a shift away from the ‘moral’ use of alcohol (1).The history of binge drinking is very specific to different decades and has even gone as far as the meaning changing.

            Alcohol in itself can affect marriages, family, workplace and many other areas in someone's life.“It's estimated that more than 75 percent of the cost of excessive alcohol consumption in the United States is due to binge drinking, and most binge drinkers are not alcohol-dependent” (Buddy). The United States is said to consume the most alcohol than any other country and the reason behind this is because many are under age teenagers. The pressing question is how does it affect the inner circles of people’s lives? The impact lays heavy on each family member hitting each one in waves derailing the intertwined relationships and producing great stress (Team). It can greatly affect friends that are close to a person who binge drinks because of the agitation, drowsiness, and confusion that is experienced by a binge drinker. If a family member is addicted to alcohol or binge drinks when around other family members this can cause a very fluent feeling of not having the desire to be around that person. If a mother or father is a binge drinker, how will the children view the mother or father who suffers from this issue? A child will tend to either dislike his or her parents or follow in their footsteps when they get older because, like the phrase “monkey see, monkey do”, it is hard to break the cycle especially if it is such a common occurrence. Likewise, if the mom or dad is abusive at times and throws binge drinking into the mix, then this is deadly combination for the kids safety (college students). There are many things and people that have been and still to this day are affected by the action of binge drinking.

While there is too many to discuss, it is easy to jump from the inner circle to worldwide effects. Although, the epidemic remains the same, the effects on the world become more of a statistic then it does anything else. The worldwide effect is more of a impersonal, straight to the point fact that gives a number to really put in perspective what is going on in result of binge drinking(Global Status). The harm to society at large, beyond the dynamic of family and friends, can be as complex as a person who binge drinks shows up to work at a factory and engages in heavy lunchtime drinking which later affects the quality of work he or she is doing and further damages the economic survival of the factories (1). Not only can it affect workplaces and opportunities for people, but it is also found that more than just the drinker themself is paying for a day of binge drinking. By this it is meant that the “economic costs of alcohol consumption for society as a whole including the costs to governments and citizens and, to a certain extent, to drinkers themselves” (1). Therefore, with all this being said binge drinking affects the numbers and societies as a whole.

Several studies have been done in regards to binge drinking, one study done by the World Health Organization stated that, “A study of 98 families in an urban Indian slum found that families with frequently drinking husbands were much more likely to report a major illness or injury in the past year, were more likely to be in debt, or deeper in debt”(1). This study goes to show how binge drinking not only affects its host but also others around whether it is meant to happen or not (1). It speaks to great volumes when discussing the family dynamics and how binge drinking can cause even the man of the house not to be able to provide for his own family that he loves. Another example and study given to put binge drinking and alcohol consumption was put into perspective for many;

In a recent analysis pulling together cost studies from four high-income countries and two middle-income countries, the total costs attributable to alcohol ranged from 1.3% to 3.3% of GDP (Rehm et al., 2009).

This further explains all that society encounters at large because these are out of pocket expenses that are occuring, therefore concerning not just a small range of people, but rather a fairly large amount of people being affected.

In conclusion, binge drinking historically has always been a problem, whether it be affecting relationships through family members or friends, or a number. It has and still causes hurt to all aspects to a person and is the building block to a life of alcoholism. As sad as it may be, not many recognize the amount of pain that this “disease” puts onto the world. It is only seen that alcoholism is where it starts and ends, but the truth is that, if recognized, at the binge drinking level many problems could and will be solved. This epidemic is restraining the potential that each human being is designed to have and it is hard to see it more than something that is a phase because of how it compares to the extremes of alcoholism. People will see binge drinking as the way out and might end up somewhere in life that is not meant for them.

The availability of alcohol to people who are over the age of 21 makes it harder for them to stop binge drinking than it is for the people that are under 21; It is said, “People who have a problem with alcohol can find it hard to stop because the substance is easy to get, unlike street drugs such as cocaine or heroin”(Drug Rehab). If there is something that is legal and is relatively accepted at social events or parties it is harder to say no at those events because of peer pressure that can be involved. The more people that are around alcohol, the more times the desire will be heightened to drink and have a good time because of wanting to be accepted by the people around.  Though, there are many solutions that work in favor of those who binge drink, but in some cases does the solution does not always follow through and in different ways relates to Camus’ idea of absurdity.

The solutions of this epidemic of binge drinking are not as simple as meets the eye. Many of the solutions have been among different college campuses and have not always been successful. Since a lot of binge drinking is prevalent and hand in hand to the college lifestyle, there has been plenty of brainstorming behind the scenes in order to find an end or at least a decline in the number (Ludden). For example, “Working with students earlier – as early as elementary or middle school – to discuss the dangers of substance abuse, including binge drinking, is a very important form of prevention” (Editorial Staff). Along with this, there are some fraternities and sororities that are sober in support of recovery for those who struggle with binge drinking (1). On the other hand, it is viewed as something that will always happen, and there is nothing that can be done.

One solution that was put into place to decrease the amount of binge drinking was more Friday classes. This solution was made for the very reason of preventing Thursday night drinking for most universities (Ludden). At the college of Frostburg State University, in 2006, the president Jonathan Gibralter states “he found the party scene out of control” (1). Heavy drinking had led this university, along with others, into a place with severe injuries and even death, poor grades, mental health problems, and is a major factor in a lot of on campus sexual assault (1). In result of these saddening problems, Gibralter made Frostburg State University into a leader that’s focus was tackling binge drinking. Gibralter has put into place joint police patrols, but these are just a few of the many changes to this university: “Gibralter led the push for Maryland's recent ban on the sale of grain alcohol, that potent, tasteless drink used in homemade punch” (1). With the help of a state grant, the school came together along with parents, students, city officials, and businesses to tackle underage drinking around the community:

But since 2006, the share of Frostburg students who binge drink at least once every two weeks has fallen from 57 percent to 41 percent, according to the university. The average number of drinks students have each week has dropped in half, from eight to four. (1)

This is an example of a solution that was put into place on a college campus and had a positive outcome. This solution was successful because of the proactiveness in the community that took place. The amount of dedication through specific classes, bans, and coming together provided room for fixing such a big problem in society.

            To combat binge drinking, there was a study done in regards to the chemical side of things. David Nutt, a neuropharma psychologist, is attempting to make a synthetic form of alcohol called Alcarelle (Farah). While the product is still under wraps, Nutt explained that he has figured out “which receptors in the brain can be targeted to provide a buzz without the negative side effects” (1). This product has been declared to release within the next five years in regards to safety measures (1). On the other hand, a man by the name of Gordon Ezekiel Glaze, released a product online last year that was similar to Nutt’s idea of an ethanol-free drink that creates “a mild euphoric, alcohol-like tipsy experience” yet dampens the likeliness of the feeling of drinking regular spirits (1). To much dismay, Glaze’s attempt at preventing binge drinking did not quite work out due to an ingredient called Pace being closely related to amphetamine and a close cousin to the rave drug “MDMA”or more commonly known as ecstasy (1). Health Canada, the government agency dealing with the regulation of food, health products, and pharmaceuticals, found out about the use of Pace in the drink and declared the beverage illegal (1). Although, this specific study and experiment did not become successful, it was closer to substituting a problem for a problem rather than solving anything. This solution could have worked out, but pretty significant things need to be changed in order for this to happen because the presence of the drug put into this beverage could end up hurting more than helping people which is the opposite of the intentions that they had.

            The last example of a solution was a study that broadened the focus into looking at alcohol abuse as an individual problem to “an environmental or community perspective, which examines the social, economic, cultural, physical, and political contexts in which alcohol problems occur” (Mosher). Some of the strategies include: responsible beverage service training, media campaigns and counteradvertising, conditional use permits for alcohol outlets, control on hours of sale, and community sponsorship of alcohol-free activities for youth (1). Each has its own level of effectiveness. Some of the strategies have been more successful than others, with different levels of improvement. Most significantly, media campaigns have been proven to be most effective in regards to drinking (1). This solution was relatively effective in regards to some of the strategies, but also lacked in some areas.

            Camus’ believes that there are three ways of resolving the dilemma: through suicide, religious or spiritual belief in the transcendent realm or just the pure acceptance of the absurd (Simpson). He emphasizes, and tries to make clear, the Absurd expresses a fundamental disharmony, a tragic incompatibility, in our existence (1). According to binge drinking, Camus’ beliefs do not coincide with it (1). The reason is because although Albert Camus may not have known the idea of binge drinking, the idea that students who are binge drinking in college are still there getting a degree and putting forth effort. This idea is in contrast with Camus’ because the student believes they have purpose(Camus). Drinking is similar to that because people who do binge drink tend to have a lot of side issues like depression and anxiety that are not being addressed. In another sense, they too, are searching for that meaning of life but in a different way then Camus expresses.

            Albert Camus would think about the epidemic of binge drinking that it goes into play with what he says about how we live such a tragic and flawed life. This tragic and flawed life is the idea that everyone we know and love will someday die and suffer tremendous pain before that (Camus). Binge drinking is merely something that people use to connect and feel with others or the emotions being experienced. It's a vice that does not exist in the world nor in the body of a human but between each other. In regards to the outcomes of binge drinking Camus would believe that his idea of a meaningless life is supported due to people putting themselves into such bad situations as binge drinking (1). He would think that the only way out is the three ways he holds evident. These are all things relating to Camus and his philosophy.

            In conclusion, binge drinking does have a light at the end of it's tunnel through many successful and failing attempts to recognize the amount of damage that it does. People do not recognize how much needs to be done just to put a little dent in the number of binge drinkers in America. Although, many are trying or beginning to recognize the effects caused by binge drinking is genuinely having. All it takes is one to change the world, just one to gather and come up with plans to help people who are relying on substances that will not ever satisfy them. Mainly and most importantly, the world should find solutions to binge drinking before it turns into alcoholism. This topic is of utter importance, the next step we as people can take is taking care of ourselves and each other which can make a world of difference.

 Works Cited

Berridge, Virginia, et al. “Binge Drinking: A Confused Concept and Its Contemporary History.” Social History of Medicine, Oxford University Press, Dec. 2009, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2781734/#!po=0.833333.

“Camus and Absurdity.” Philosophy Talk, www.philosophytalk.org/blog/camus-and-absurdity.

“College Students and the Dangers of Binge Drinking.” The Dangers of Binge Drinking - Health   Encyclopedia - University of Rochester Medical Center,

www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=1&ContentID=1924.

Editorial Staff. “Concerns of Binge Drinking & Alcoholism on College Campuses.” Alcohol.org, www.alcohol.org/teens/college-campuses/.

Farah, Troy, and Pat Duran. “To Combat Binge Drinking, a Search for Chemical Solutions.”Undark, undark.org/article/binge-drinking-chemical-drugs/.

“Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health.” Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health, World Health Organization,             www.who.int/substance_abuse/publications/global_alcohol_report/msbgsruprofiles.pdf.

 Ludden, Jennifer. “Colleges Brainstorm Ways To Cut Back On Binge Drinking.” NPR, NPR, 16 Sept. 2014, www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2014/09/16/347475250/colleges-brainstorm-ways-to-cut-back -on-binge-drinking

Mosher and David H. Jernigan, “Making the Link, a paper commissioned by the American Medical Association for the 1998 Alcohol Policy Conference.” Marin Institute for the Prevention of Alcohol and Other Drug Problems, acoholpolicymd.com.

Simpson, David. “Albert Camus (1913-1960).” iep.utm.edu/camus/.

Team, Rehab Center Editorial. “Alcohol Abuse: A Social Problem.” Find Rehab Centers Based On Your Needs, 20 Mar. 2019, www.rehabcenter.net/alcohol/social-problem/.

“Teen Drug and Alcohol Abuse.” Drug Rehab, www.drugrehab.com/teens/.

T, Buddy. “How Alcoholism Affects Society.” Verywell Mind, www.verywellmind.com/impact-on-society-63268.