Hidden Habits: Binge Drinking in Everyday Life
Nov 16, 2023
Hey there! Let's Talk Binge Drinking
Picture this: You're starting dinner, pouring a glass of wine to unwind. It seems like a harmless routine, right? But then, one glass turns into two, and before you know it, the bottle's empty, yet again. It’s a scenario many of us know too well, and it's a classic example of binge drinking. This isn’t limited to just wild parties. Consuming 4 or more drinks in a single sitting for women, and 5 for men, is actually how binge drinking is defined.
Binge Drinking Isn't Just for College Kids
Think binge drinking is just a young person's game? Not quite. It's surprisingly common among those we least expect – like over 11% of folks over 65 and 1 in 4 women who drink. They're having at least 3-4 heavy drinking sessions a month. But here's an interesting fact: most people who binge drink aren't dependent on alcohol. However, binge drinking is harmful on its own.
Been There, Done That
I get it – I've been there. As someone who used to binge drink on weekends, I thought I was in control because I wasn't drinking every day. But here's the catch: the hangover and guilt of Monday fades away by Friday, coupled with the dopamine response of anticipating a Friday night. Our brain tricks us into forgetting the bad and remembering only the good times or the immediate relaxing effect of alcohol.
Why We Forget the Bad and Remember the Good
This is all about Fading Effect Bias (FAB). Our brains are wired to push aside the bad memories of drinking and either hold onto the fun or seek out the initial calming effects of alcohol. So, by the time Friday rolls around, we're all set to repeat the cycle.
Daily Drinkers, You're Not Off the Hook
And for those who drink a bit every evening? You're on a faster FAB loop. The regret from the morning fades by the time you clock out, and it's back to the bottle. The more you drink, the more you need to feel the same buzz – a slippery slope.
Let's Break the Cycle
Awareness is the first step. Whether it's a whole bottle in the evening or multiple cocktails on the weekends, it's crucial to pause and reflect: Is this really what I want? Are these habits serving my well-being, or am I stuck in a loop? It's about recognizing our patterns, whether they occur daily or just on certain days, and understanding how they impact our lives.
Need a Hand? I'm Here
If you're ready to challenge your drinking habits, whether you're a daily drinker or a weekend reveler, I have just the resource for you. Dive into my free Alcohol-Free Weekend Toolkit and Mini Course available on my website. It's designed not just for those aiming for an alcohol-free weekend but also for anyone looking to gain insights and strategies to break the cycle of binge drinking in everyday life. With practical tips and empowering knowledge, this toolkit can guide you in making choices that benefit your body, mind, and overall well-being. Let’s embark on this journey of mindful drinking together!
