Experimenting with alcohol between the ages of 18 and 29, otherwise referred to as young adulthood, is more common than in any other stage of life. This is also a high time for binge drinking and alcohol-related driving incidents. Naturally, some parents may become concerned when they see their child in their teens or early twenties drinking heavily, getting into booze-fueled fights, or engaging in dangerous behaviors while drinking. But how do you know whether a young adult’s drinking behavior is problematic or just harmless experimentation? Knowing the signs of alcohol abuse in young adults can help you determine whether someone in your life requires the help of an alcohol detox program.
At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston, we understand that alcohol experimentation can start as a fun social activity for young adults. However, it can easily lead to alcohol abuse. Our alcohol detox program can help young people end their unhealthy relationships with alcohol and get back on track for a successful future. If a young person in your life is struggling with alcohol abuse, call us today at 866.516.8356 to learn more about how we can help them regain control of their life.
Is Binge Drinking the Same as Addiction?
Some people engage in binge drinking but are not necessarily addicted to alcohol. While this behavior is unhealthy and can lead to addiction, we may need to address it differently. Understanding the difference between binge drinking and alcohol addiction can help you support the needs of a loved one struggling with alcohol abuse.
Some of the critical differences between binge drinking and addiction are:
- A person struggling with addiction may binge drink, while a person who binge drinks is not necessarily addicted to alcohol.
- Binge drinking involves a large quantity of alcohol in a short period but may happen only on occasion. Alcohol addiction consists of frequent drinking that may be a daily occurrence.
- Someone who binge drinks may do so only on the weekends or at social events, while someone with addiction often drinks at home alone without any special occasion.
There are some exceptions to the above since binge drinking and alcohol addiction can occur together. The main difference between the two is that a person who binge drinks without addiction does not need alcohol regularly and can go without it for long periods.
The Signs of Alcohol Abuse in Young Adults
The blurred lines between binge drinking and alcohol addiction may make it more difficult to determine the severity of a person’s condition. To clarify what constitutes alcohol abuse in young adults, here are some of the behavioral and visual signs to look for:
- Frequent absences or lateness at work or school
- Decline in school or work performance, possibly getting kicked out of school or fired from a job
- Using alcohol in dangerous situations, like when operating a vehicle or heavy machinery
- Getting arrested for driving under the influence
- Changes in appearance, such as bloodshot eyes, weight changes, and looking tired or unwell
- Mood swings, fluctuating between depressed and unmotivated to angry and irritable
If a young person you care about is showing the above symptoms, you should speak with them about your concerns. Then, you can convince them to get help from an alcohol detox center. Occasional binge drinking can also result in undesirable behaviors. However, a person may be able to cut back on drinking without professional help unless they have developed alcohol dependence.
Seek Treatment at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston Today
Have you noticed the signs of alcohol abuse in young adults in your life? If so, you can rely on the alcohol detox programs at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston. We are here to answer your questions about binge drinking, alcohol dependence, and alcohol abuse in young people. Furthermore, we can help guide you on what to do next. Give us a call at 866.516.8356 so we can support you and your loved one through alcohol abuse.
