Still Counting Drinks, Eh?

In practical terms, it's far more helpful for a working counselor to focus on the problems that result, directly or indirectly, from high-intensity drinking, than on the amounts themselves.

For the past few years, we've been hearing a great deal about so-called “binge drinking”, especially among kids and also young adults from 18 to 25.

A binge in this context is defined as consumption of more than 5 drinks for men, 4 for women, on a single occasion-- at a party, say, or during a night out. Statistically, we're told, this level of consumption is associated with a variety of consequences, ranging from a hangover to some pretty significant problems with respect to one's physical and mental health.

Along with the potential to behave very badly, of course.

Frankly, most of the patients I've run into in a treatment setting admitted to drinking considerably more -- often routinely. Quite a few would have regarded 4 or 5 drinks a night as light to moderate drinking. And for them, it probably was.

Now, it seems researchers have identified a new category of alcohol consumption, called High-Intensity Drinking -- which involves downing 8 to 10 drinks in a...

CONTINUE READING

  • Thinking About Addiction
  • In the News
  • Public Health
  • Public Policy

A Bad Test Result

I don’t know how often we question the findings, but it makes me think that a critical examination of our own procedures, say on a quarterly and yearly basis, might be a heck of a good idea.

  • Resources About
  • Addiction
  • Addictive Substances
  • Prevention
  • Recovery
  • Treatment

Ancestry of Alcohol

It’s easy to understand how primates and other animals discovered fermentation — it happens naturally when fruit is left to lay around.

Ancestry of Alcohol

It’s easy to understand how primates and other animals discovered fermentation — it happens naturally when fruit is left to lay around.

Life in a Hot Spot

Make it a continuing effort, using strategies based in evidence, and harnessing the power of human interaction-- instead of relying on a burst of anti-drug education, however intense.

  • Resources For
  • Addiction Clinicians
  • Families
  • People in Recovery
  • Programs

Still Counting Drinks, Eh?

In practical terms, it's far more helpful for a working counselor to focus on the problems that result, directly or indirectly, from high-intensity drinking, than on the amounts themselves.

Still Counting Drinks, Eh?

In practical terms, it's far more helpful for a working counselor to focus on the problems that result, directly or indirectly, from high-intensity drinking, than on the amounts themselves.

Exercising for Chronic Pain Relief

We've known for several decades that regular exercise, even the mild sort, helps lessen symptoms of depression. It comes as no surprise that it may also help with CPS and the mood problems that accompany it.

Drugs in Jail

If 70% or more of a jail population has been identified as having a drug or alcohol problem – that does happen – then what you’re really operating is a treatment center that happens to have bars on the windows and guards at the entrance.

  • Library
  • Bookshelf
  • PDF Articles
  • Videos

Subscribe via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog by email.

Join 3,911 other subscribers

EXPLORE