Types of Binge Drinkers and How They are Treated

Although it might seem like all binge drinking is the same, there are several different types of binge drinkers. Each of these types needs a specific type of treatment in order to help them stop binge drinking.

Stress drinkers

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, addiction is often the result of using a substance to cope with stress. Binge drinking is taking drinking due to stress to a dangerous level.

Fortunately, treatment for stress binge drinkers usually involves teaching the addict a variety of healthy stress reduction techniques. A few of these techniques are:

• deep breathing
• meditation
• progressive relaxation
• healthy stress relievers such as exercise

To find treatment for stress related binge drinking all you have to do is call 800-481-6965 (Who Answers?) .

Those that have Something to Prove

Binge drinking to prove something is often a result of low self-esteem. Some people use alcohol to prove that they are outgoing or macho. These are the people that join in drinking contests or try to out drink others at the bar or party.

To treat this type of binge drinking therapist’s use self-esteem building activities and intensive behavioral therapy. This corrects the issues that cause you to binge drink in this way.

Depression Drinkers

Those suffering from depression may use alcohol to self-medicate their symptoms.

Even though alcohol is a depressant, many people who suffer from depression self-medicate with it. In this case the binge drinking is cyclic. The drinker:

• becomes depressed
• starts to drink
• drinks until they pass out
• gets depressed about the consequences of drinking
• begins the cycle again

This type of binge drinker is difficult to treat. Usually they are referred to a doctor for medication to get the depression under control. Once the depression is being controlled through medication and counseling, the drinking can be addressed.

Drinkers that are Bored

Drinking out of boredom is particularly common and surprisingly easy to treat. Therapists teach constructive ways to utilize time and help with any other issues that cause the person to drink. Most boredom drinking is related to lack of social skills and low self-esteem.

Those that Crave Loss of Control

Some binge drinkers need the loss of control that binge drinking provides. Unfortunately, many times this leads to other issues in their lives such as:

• high risk sex
• STDs
• drunk driving
• working while drunk
• drinking to the point of black out or alcohol poisoning

This type of drinker is usually treated with intensive behavioral therapy to correct the control issues that they have. Sometimes people who drink to lose control have other issues such as OCD. In which case, a therapist or doctor treats the underlying condition as well as the alcoholism.

Finding Treatment for the Type of Binge Drinker in Your Life

Whether you fit one of these types or a loved one does, you need to find treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control, binge drinking is very dangerous and causes a multitude of physical and mental health issues. To find a treatment facility that can help call 800-481-6965 (Who Answers?) .

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