If beer is the alcohol of choice, it’s easy to assume that alcohol abuse is not possible. For many, drinking beer is associated with hanging out with friends and relaxing. Typically, having a few beers, even as a nightly ritual, doesn’t seem very risky. After all, it’s not the same as slamming a few shots of tequila or whiskey.
Heavy drinking – regardless of the type of alcohol selected – can negatively affect health and life in general. The effects of drinking 12 beers a day can be catastrophic.
The use of alcohol in the United States is considered a way of life. Other standards and socially accepted drugs used within the United States include nicotine, caffeine, and increasingly marijuana. However, the use of alcohol to connect socially is expected in the U.S. In fact, regular and daily drinking has become increasingly more acceptable. Happy hour with friends and coworkers, for example, is a favorite pastime. Then there’s the alcoholic beverages at employment parties, plus college party culture, advertising and media circulation of drinking culture, and the astounding presence of dive bars, breweries, wineries, and distilleries within the United States. It tends to shape our view of alcohol as an innocent diversion.
Alcohol Industry: A Culture in America
Since the end of the Prohibition Era 1920s, alcohol production has grown into a worldwide, powerhouse industry making billions of dollars every year. According to Statista, since 2011, alcohol sales have increased by 30%. In 2019, alcohol revenue totaled $253 billion. The largest beer distribution centers in the United States include Anheuser Busch, Reyes Beverage Company, The Miller Company, and many others.
Common acceptance of social drinking does have its challenges. For one, it contributes to alcohol-related health issues. Additionally, younger age groups are exposed to the glamour of alcohol rather than its dangers. Alcohol is also one of the most heavily marketed industries in the world, further reinforcing a skewed perception of casual drinking.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism found that underage drinking frequently occurred among 14-year-olds. In the 1960s, the average age was 17.5. Furthermore, younger age groups participating in binge drinking and other alcohol-driven activities are particularly at risk of severe effects of alcohol misuse and an increased risk of developing alcohol use disorder.
What Are The Effects of Drinking 12 Beers a Day?
Drinking 12 beers a day and binge drinking has been linked to numerous health issues. Binge drinking is a drinking pattern that brings a person’s blood alcohol content (BAC) level to .08g/l or above. This typically occurs in men who consume more than five drinks or women who consume more than four drinks in about two hours.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in six U.S. adults binges drinks about four times a month. Binge drinking is also twice as common in men. Additionally, 90% of Americans who drink excessively also report binge drinking in the last month.
On the other hand, excessive drinking includes binge drinking and heavy drinking. What is heavy drinking? The CDC defines it as more than eight drinks per week for women and more than 15 drinks per week for men.
The effects of drinking 12 beers a day, therefore, carry short- and long-term issues that correspond with binge drinking and excessive drinking. These impacts would also occur if the alcohol of choice were a bottle of wine or a fifth of vodka.
Defining the Effects of a 12-Pack a Day
Regularly binge drinking may produce adverse health effects and may also interfere with day-to-day routines.
Some of the impacts of binge drinking include:
- Unintentional injuries from a car crash, accident, fall, and alcohol poisoning
- Violence including homicide, suicide, domestic violence, and sexual assault
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Chronic diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease
- Various types of cancers
- Memory and learning problems
- Alcohol use disorder (AUD)
Additionally, excessive drinking habits are closely linked with all those listed above, in addition to other conditions such as:
- Immune system dysfunctions
- Brain damage
- Malnourishment and vitamin deficiencies
- Osteoporosis
- Dementia
The effects of drinking 12 beers a day are hazardous to health and wellness. Problematic drinking is also closely linked with other mental health or co-occurring disorders.
Alcohol use often involves the use of other substances such as nicotine and can lead to poor eating habits, which can contribute to many other health problems. Obesity is a concern with excessive alcohol intake. Drinking one light beer has an average of 130 calories. Consuming a 12-pack of Coors Light can add up to an additional 1,560 calories per day or three-fourths of a daily recommended intake. Research indicates that 3,500 calories amount to 1lb of weight gain. Drinking 12 beers a day can also lead to drastic weight gain.
If you feel your health is impacted by alcohol use. It is critical to take action and contact experienced alcohol abuse, and treatment specialists. Many treatment facilities can help provide clarity on treatment for problematic drinking, plus offer support prior to intervention. AspenRidge offers a 24/7 helpline to address pressing needs. Contact us directly at 855-281-5588.
What is Alcohol Poisoning?
Not all alcohol problems occur with the long-term use of alcohol. Many life-threatening problems can occur from the first time drinking alcohol. For example, alcohol poisoning occurs when too much alcohol is in the bloodstream.
According to the Mayo Clinic, common symptoms of alcohol poisoning include:
- Confusion
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Slowed or Irregular Breathing
- Pale, blue, or cold skin
- Hypothermia
- Unconsciousness
Alcohol poisoning is very serious and can place a drinker in critical condition. Alcohol poisoning is very dangerous and requires emergency treatment if left untreated, and alcohol poisoning can lead to brain damage and even death.
College students and younger age groups are at higher risk for alcohol poisoning and other health problems. Research indicates the binge drinking culture on many U.S. college campuses leads to the neglect of many alcohol-related disorders among college students.
How Can I Help My Body Recover From Binge Drinking?
Although binge drinking can have severe and long-term effects, there are many ways to help the body recover from excessive alcohol consumption. One important factor to help your body heal is to cut down on alcohol use or cease use altogether.
The effects of drinking 12 beers a day can weigh heavily on everyday health and wellness. Cutting down or quitting alcohol can have an immediate impact on the body. Making changes will instantly have a significant effect on mental and emotional well-being. More extended abstinence from alcohol can produce beneficial results, including clearer skin, better memory, more productivity, emotional stability, weight loss, better heart functioning, better sleep, and reduce risk of chronic diseases.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine suggests steps to take to help with tapering alcohol consumption including:
- Staying away from “drinking buddies.”
- Plan activities without alcohol.
- Don’t buy or have alcohol available in your home.
- Create a plan and stick to it. Writing a plan can help.
- Find a support person and discuss the challenges of reducing/quitting alcohol.
- Create a plan for refusing alcohol.
- Wait a few minutes if an urge occurs. Research states most cravings and urges subside after 2-3 minutes.
AspenRidge Recovery – Alcohol Rehab Treatments in Denver
AspenRidge Recovery can help address many different consequences and problems that may occur from binge and excessive drinking.
AspenRidge Recovery is a premier alcohol and substance abuse treatment center in Colorado. AspenRidge is Colorado’s leading alcohol addiction recovery center helping thousands to overcome excessive drinking and alcohol use disorder. Our various programs aim to treat AUD using different approaches, including dual diagnosis therapy, substance misuse help, cognitive therapy, holistic approaches, group therapy, and more.
We offer the following programs:
Contact us today for more information about Colorado alcohol rehabilitation at 855-281-5588.
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