Parents are binge drinkers too, you know
Binge drinking has been getting a lot of bad publicity lately (and for good reason; it's dangerous!), but when it comes to excessive imbibing, we tend to point the finger at young people, ranging from teens to those in their mid and late-twenties. But it's not always the kids that are tying one on; recent studies show that parents and older adults partake in binge drinking too, although they're more likely to be 'in denial' about their drinking habits. This makes sense to me -- technically, binge drinking involves have more than four drinks, and a drink's a drink, regardless of whether you're doing body shots of tequila or drinking a fine wine. However, I'm inclined to think that older adults are more responsible with their drinking -- they're less likely to get involved in dangerous situations or abuse alcohol in an unhealthy manner.
Though I could be totally off-base -- what do you think?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-18-2007 @ 3:48PM
Michele said...
Although I think teenagers tend to be most dangerous with drinking, adults are as well. I am a working mother with two children and have noticed interesting things while watching friends and co-workers. Things such as drinking after work and then picking up the kids (because it's just a few blocks from home) are not as uncommon as one might think. I have also found that people who are very successful in their careers often develop an "it can't happen to me" mentality. I know so many businessmen who drink at lunch or after work and then drive as they would have otherwise. I do think teenagers are more likely to drink heavily and engage in risk taking behavior outside of just drunk driving.
And to admit something about myself: I think I was much more cautious as a teenager for fear of getting in trouble with my parents or teachers. As an adult, I think I have made poor choices on a whim because the consequences are not as concrete as my dad grounding me "forever". Although the consequences are still very real and severe, I don't have someone constantly reminding me of them.
In conclusion, I know for a fact adults binge drink and act dangerously on a regular basis. Maybe not all of us, but I see it all the time.
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12-18-2007 @ 6:53PM
ange8617 said...
I totally agree with this article. Parents do binge drink too. Teens are always known to be the binge drinkers, but between me and my husband we do drink quite a few! We are parents of 2 boys and we like to relax by the end of our long day. My husband with his beer and me with my wine. We don't drive once we drink but we definitely have more than 4 drinks. My children are well cared for, we pay our bills, have jobs, and are a close family. Sometimes drinking isn't as bad as everyone may think.
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