Binge drinking is a common issue across the UK, affecting people from all walks of life. In Great Britain, roughly 7.8 million people ‘binged’ on alcohol on their heaviest drinking day.
If you think you have a drinking problem, there are several steps you can take. The first step to stop binge drinking and break free from addiction is to undergo an alcohol detox.
But will a detox help you to stop binge drinking? And what exactly should you expect from an alcohol detox? That’s what we’ll be exploring in this article.
What is Binge Drinking?
Before we explore the ins and outs of alcohol detoxification and whether it’s a viable solution for binge drinking, let’s explore what binge drinking actually is.
An alcohol binge refers to the consumption of large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time, leading to intoxication.
For men, this typically means a high alcohol intake of five or more drinks in two hours, while for women, it involves four or more drinks within the same timeframe. This behaviour can lead to serious health issues and social consequences, making it imperative to address drinking problems promptly.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), binge drinking is a pattern of drinking alcohol that increases blood alcohol levels to 0.08% or more. Moderate drinking, however, generally refers to two or fewer drinks per day.
There are many reasons why people may start binge drinking - for example, to deal with negative feelings or sensations. However, it’s important to note that binge drinking can be dangerous. There are many serious effects of binge drinking. For example, binge drinking can lead to alcohol poisoning, short-term and long-term health problems, and mental health issues, and can also increase the risk of addiction.
Binge Drinking vs Addiction
First of all, let's clear up any confusion - binge drinking is not the same as alcohol addiction. Binge drinkers may engage in excessive alcohol consumption sporadically, without necessarily being dependent on alcohol.
On the other hand, addiction is characterised by a compulsive need for alcohol, often leading to physical and psychological dependence. That being said, people with alcohol addiction may binge drink - and binge drinking can increase the risk of alcohol addiction.
It’s important that you understand this difference if you wish to find the best approach and assess your drinking habits.
What is an Alcohol Detox?
An alcohol detox is the first step for those who wish to reduce drinking or stop drinking entirely. It is a structured process aimed at helping people withdraw from heavy alcohol consumption safely.
Detoxification involves allowing the body to eliminate alcohol while managing withdrawal symptoms, which can range from mild to severe depending on the individual's level of alcohol dependence.
This is why many people who binge drink seek medical supervision when detoxing from alcohol. In some cases, withdrawal can be dangerous and even life-threatening. This is why you should never detox from alcohol cold turkey without medical support.
Detoxification is a critical first step if you wish to reduce your alcohol consumption or stop drinking.
The Different Types of Alcohol Detox
There are several approaches to alcohol detoxification, each tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals. One size does not fit all when detoxing from alcohol, which is why personalised detox plans are the best option.
One of the safest options is a medical detox. This is usually conducted in treatment centres or hospitals and involves medical support. This can help you to manage withdrawal symptoms effectively. During a medical detox, you may be given detox medication such as Librium to help ease the symptoms.
Some people also prefer to detox from alcohol at home. Alcohol home detox kits are ideal if you have a mild alcohol addiction. At Help4Addiction, we offer quality home detox kits - check the eligibility requirements today.
Outpatient programmes provide a more flexible option, allowing you to detox while continuing with your daily life. These programmes may include therapy sessions and medical check-ins.
The Benefits of an Alcohol Detox
There are countless benefits to beginning an alcohol detox. First and foremost, it is the first step towards breaking the cycle of excessive drinking and overcoming your drinking problems. It can help you set the foundation for healthier, more mindful habits.
Detoxification can help manage withdrawal symptoms, making the withdrawal process more bearable. Ultimately, it can increase the likelihood of long-term success.
By ridding the body of alcohol, you can regain control over your body and your mind. You may notice the negative effects of withdrawal within just a few hours - but then experience the positives of detoxing after a few days.
Does Detoxification Alone Help To Stop Binge Drinking?
In short, no. Detoxification alone does not give you the best chance of stopping binge drinking. This is because detoxification addresses the physical dependence, and does not touch on the psychological and social aspects.
It doesn’t explore the reasons behind your binge drinking, or give you the mental strength to stop drinking for good. Instead, it can help you overcome the physical addiction and cleanse your body of the substance.
This is why alcohol rehab is so important. Alcohol rehab includes therapy, which can help you get to the root causes of your drinking problem. It can teach you valuable coping strategies that can help you prevent and manage relapse. Therapy can also help you become more mindful with your habits, and put a focus on your well-being.
Some types of therapy used to treat alcohol addiction include:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Group therapy
- Interpersonal therapy
- Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT)
- One-to-one counselling
To summarise, detoxification should be completed as part of a more comprehensive treatment plan, including rehab and secondary treatment. This is something we can help with at Help4Addiction.
Find The Right Detox Programme Today
Whether you are addicted to drugs or alcohol, it’s important that you complete a detox that meets your preferences, needs and circumstances. One size does not fit all when it comes to detoxification, which is why we work to find a tailored treatment programme for you.
At Help4Addiction, we are a valuable resource if you are looking to stop binge drinking and regain control over your life.
While detox is a critical first step, it is often followed by addiction treatment programmes that address the root causes of excessive drinking. We can connect you with the best treatment centres and addiction services for you. Whether you’re looking for therapy or support groups, we can get you on the right path.
Whether you are looking for affordable NHS rehab, luxury rehab clinics, or anything in between, trust us to secure you a spot. We have connections with addiction treatment centres all around the UK and can help you begin your recovery journey.
Treatment centres and rehab facilities offer a variety of options, ranging from inpatient to outpatient programmes. Inpatient rehab centres provide a supportive environment where you can focus solely on your recovery, with round-the-clock medical supervision.
Outpatient programmes, on the other hand, offer flexibility, allowing you to receive treatment while maintaining your daily routine.
Begin your sober life today with Help4Addiction. You are not alone - we are here to help you, every step of the way.
