Drinking a lot of alcohol, very quickly, in a very short period of time, this is called binge-drinking. This way of consuming alcohol, which is very popular among young people in search of strong sensations, could have long-term consequences much more serious than a simple hangover.
Various studies have already shown that binge-drinking is a dangerous practice which causes many short-term disorders: acute ethyl intoxication, black out, loss of sleep, etc. Research carried out at the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, in Tennessee, today reveal that this practice is also harmful in the long term.
High cardiovascular risks
Research by Mariann Piano, Associate Dean for Research at the University of Vanderbilt demonstrate that cardiovascular risks such as arterial hypertension, cholesterol or even blood sugar are higher in young adults who frequently practice binge-drinking. According to National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, we are starting to talk about binge-drinking from 5 units (standard glasses) consumed quickly for men against 4 for women.
Different symptoms for men and women
This study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association also demonstrates different syndromes in men and women. In the former, this excessive alcohol consumption has effects on cholesterol and leads to higher arterial hypertension: two factors which contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases. The women concerned generally have higher blood sugar levels than abstainers.
Young adults should be aware that repeated alcoholism can have long-term effects, researchers say. “The danger goes beyond poor academic performance and an increased risk of accidental injury,” warns Mariann Piano.
A generation that drinks faster than the previous one
For this study, researchers looked at high blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and other cardiovascular risks in 4,710 adults aged 18 to 45 over two one-year periods. Among them, 25.1% of men and 11.8% of women say they have binge-drinking more than 12 times a year. In addition, one in five university students reports at least three episodes of binge-drinking in the last two weeks preceding the interview. “A record rate” for the director of the investigation.
In 2016, an INPES study, already revealed that the number of young people who experienced drunkenness several times during the year had increased considerably over the past 10 years, highlighting this new way of consuming alcohol.
Compared to older generations, this propensity to increase drinking episodes and its regularity therefore exposes these young people to an increased risk of alcohol-related harm in the future.
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