News and Information

The Dangers of Binge Drinking and Older Adults

A recent study by researchers at NYU School of Medicine and the Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research (CDUHR) at NYU College of Global Public Health finds that one in 10 older adults binge drinks. 
 

What exactly is binge drinking?

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines binge drinking as a way of drinking alcohol that brings a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08 grams percent or above. For the average adult male, binge drinking equates consuming five or more drinks in two hours. For the average adult female, it's four or more drinks in about two hours.  
 
For older adults, the number of drinks needed to reach a binge level BAC is lower than for the average adult.
 

The perils of binge drinking

Having a few drinks once in a while can be relatively harmless. However, binge drinking is very dangerous and can cause serious damage over time, including:
 
These are just a few of the threats that can happen to someone when they are binge drinking. Keep in mind that when someone is inebriated, they may also become a danger to others, such as being physically or emotionally destructive.
 

Getting help

If you suspect that your older loved one is binge drinking or has an alcohol use disorder, seek professional help immediately. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism created the NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator® to help adults find alcohol treatment for themselves or an adult loved one.
 
Our in-home care services can help keep your loved one where they feel most comfortable: at home. We provide specially trained caregivers to help with everyday tasks, and we provide respite care for when family caregivers need a break.
Over 250 ComForCare Locations Nationwide

Need care in this area?
14301 Sullyfield Circle,
Chantilly, VA 20151
Considering In-Home Care? We have your
perfect caregiver.
For care, please fill out the form below.  For employment, please go to careers.
* Indicates required questions
Name *
First
Last
Email *
Phone # *
Zip code where service is needed *
How can we help? *
Other information you want to share *
SMS Opt In
Check this box to opt-in to receive informational and/ or promotional SMS messages for ComForCare. By clicking SUBMIT you consent to receiving SMS messages from ComForCare. To opt-out, text STOP.
VerificationCode
Enter code in image:
or call
(571) 492-4600
Services vary by location. Please contact us to see what services are available in your area.
866-676-0811
866-739-1685
866-461-5944
734-954-9139