“Have you or your friends examined your drinking habits lately?”
Choosing to abstain from alcohol (or cannabis, social media, or even sex) for a short time has become trendy, but could a one-month pledge change how you drink?
It is very important to know why you should consider participating in Dry Feb and learn what it can do for your body’s health and wellness.
What are some short term benefits?
- Better sleep
- More energy
- Clearer mind
We know there are more benefits (learn more directly from the #DryFeb experts: dryfeb.ca) but for us, it could give you the perfect opportunity to evaluate your drinking habits.
February is the shortest month of the year, so this can be a perfect time for you to take a step back and assess how much and how often you are drinking (ask a friend to play along with you too).
DID YOU KNOW:
The NEW Canada’s Low-Risk Drinking Guidelines suggested that 2 standard drinks or less per week can help you avoid alcohol-related consequences.
WHAT?
Check it out! – Click Here
Canada’s Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines – Click Here
If you are concerned about a friend or roommate, it may be time to seek help. Here are some of the organizations that can help you make a plan:
- Your campus Health & Wellness Student Services (check your schools website)
- Good2Talk.ca – 1-866-925-5454 or text “GOOD2TALKON” to 686868
- In crisis? Call 9-1-1
Signs and Symptoms of Binge Drinking 🚨⚠
Most of us aren’t sitting at the bar with our friends counting how many drinks they are having. After all, we can’t be with them every second. But if you do suspect your friend may be a binge drinker, here are some of the signs to watch out for:
1. Binge drinking isn’t necessarily a daily occurrence.
- Someone does not have to drink every day to be classified as a binge drinker
- Know that even if you only drink once a week but have excessive intent, this could be classified as a binge drinker
- Just because they save it all up for a Thursday night out doesn’t mean binge drinking is off the table
2. They cannot stick to their limits – or they do not choose to.
- Most of us have a pretty good idea of what our own alcohol tolerance is. A binge drinker is someone who doesn’t know when to stop drinking, or decides not to.
3. They don’t remember their night.
- Frequent instances of blackouts is a clear sign that someone is overindulging and reflects binge drinking. Getting a buzz going is one thing but forgetting entire portions of a night is another.
Short-Term Effects of Binge Drinking
Large doses of alcohol over a short period of time can have a variety of physical effects on someone’s body. Slurred speech, double vision, staggered movements, and a general stupor can all be signs that someone has had too much to drink.
“It always bears repeating: the use of alcohol can impair your ability to drive. This can be true even if you are not displaying any of the symptoms above.”
Long-Term Effects of Binge Drinking
Regular consumption of more than 2 drinks per occasion can take a gradual toll on your body. For example, physically, it can: damage vital organs, produce stomach ulcers, reveal vitamin deficiencies, and lead to infertility.
Long-term binge drinking can also have a negative impact on someone’s personal and school life.
Want to help others recognize the signs and symptoms of binge drinking?
Share this and help ensure that when it comes to drinking, we have all the facts. Let’s talk!
PS: Stay tuned for some AWESOME news in March! 🍀🤩
