Binge Drinking

Binge Drinking During Business Trips: What’s the Connection?

By April 7, 2015June 4th, 2015No Comments

Binge drinking can occur in a variety of situations, both at home and away. A recent survey conducted through On Call International reported that while employees are off on a business trip, some may have a higher tendency than normal to engage in binge drinking.

The survey questioned 1,000 plus people who travel for work to find out how they behave when away. Nearly a third (27 percent) said that they binged on alcohol when off on business travel. Binge drinking is defined as five or more drinks for men and four or more drinks for women in a two hour period. The majority (17 percent) said they had binged only one time or rarely while 2.2 percent reported binge drinking every time.

Binge drinking is not only dangerous in itself, but it also often contributes to other unhealthy choices. For example, 11 percent of people surveyed said they had had risky sexual behavior as a result of binge drinking. The chances of unplanned pregnancy or contracting an STD increase significantly in this scenario. Binge drinking also increases a person’s likelihood of becoming involved in violent behavior. Three percent of respondents in the survey said they had had run-ins with the police while on a business trip.

The risks involved with binge drinking can be far reaching — including an increased likelihood of developing alcohol dependence or addiction, or an increase in frequency of binge drinking episodes that leads to poor performance at work or at home.

Many people try to hide their level of alcohol consumption and binge drinking behaviors. Of those surveyed, eight percent said they had lied to their employer about what had gone on during their trip. If your alcohol consumption is leading you to make unhealthy choices, or if you find yourself making attempt to conceal information drinking, it is time to talk with someone about moving forward. Call Family Guidance Center. We understand and we can help.