However, when alcohol makes up part of your typical routine, drinking can become something of an automatic response, especially when you feel stressed or overwhelmed. Turner notes the importance of bringing along a trusted support person when attending events that involve alcohol. It’s often easier to turn down a drink how to stop binge drinking when you don’t have to do it alone. Knowing why you drink is essential, says Cyndi Turner, LCSW, LSATP, MAC, a Virginia therapist specializing in addiction treatment and alcohol moderation. Millions of readers rely on HelpGuide.org for free, evidence-based resources to understand and navigate mental health challenges.

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So while naltrexone may be employed during treatment, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider and/or addiction specialist to determine the best form of treatment for your unique needs. The CDC defines a binge-drinking episode as at least four drinks for women or five drinks for men within a two-hour period. This is enough to raise your blood alcohol level to .08, which would result in impaired driving. It’s common for binge drinking to occur socially—for example, at a wedding reception, house party, or a night out.

Set Personal Goals

When you’re having a good time, you find it hard to stop, especially in the company of friends having the same amount. Pursue new interests with them that don’t involve drinking. Instead of inviting your loved one out for drinks at a bar, invite them over to work on a crafting project or go out and see a movie. Be mindful of how often you engage in activities that could involve alcohol, such as local trivia nights or sports events. Try to make those types of activities take a backseat to other hobbies.

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You can make a change to reduce those risks and lead a healthier life. Hormone levels also affect the body’s ability to process alcohol, and women will experience higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC) drinking a regular amount of alcohol before menstruation. Unlike AUD, binge drinking isn’t considered a mental health condition. Still, both patterns of drinking can lead to health concerns and affect your overall well-being and quality of life. That’s why many of us wonder if a month of avoiding drinking is enough to “reset” your liver back to normal.

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BetterHelp is an online therapy service that matches you to licensed, accredited therapists who can help with depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Take the assessment and get matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. Memory loss or fragmented memories of the previous night might leave you feeling uneasy or worried about your health.

Be aware of your triggers

Setting Healthy Boundaries in Relationships

How to avoid the risks of binge drinking

• Therapy can help you understand why you drink and learn new habits so you can live a healthy lifestyle that doesn’t rely on alcohol as a crutch.
• Studies show that binge drinking can affect your working memory, which is your ability to store short-term information and keep track of what you’re doing.
• Despite the risks, many who binge drink are not dependent on alcohol.
• Drinking very large amounts all at once can slow your heart rate and breathing down to a dangerously low level.
• Alcohol abuse and addiction doesn’t just affect the person drinking—it affects their families and loved ones, too.
• Drinking alcohol without having any food in your system can cause your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to rise quickly.