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The term “bender” is commonly used in popular culture, but its actual meaning and consequences are not always fully understood. If you or a loved one engages in heavy drinking for a prolonged period of time, it can lead to many physical and mental health problems, as well as cause issues in your personal and professional life.
In our article, we will:
- Explain what a bender is
- Explore the reasons behind going on a bender
- List the most common symptoms of this behavior
- Offer advice on prevention and treatment to help you or your family member
Below, you will find a short guide to the main points of the article to learn what a bender is and understand whether this behavior affects you or someone you care about.
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Table of Contents
- What Is a Bender? Find Out the Meaning and Definition
- Why Do People Go on a Bender—Main Reasons
- How to Recognize You Are on a Bender—Symptoms to Look Out For
- Dangers of Going on a Bender
- Can You Stop and Prevent a Bender?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Embrace Wellness With Los Angeles Mental Health
What Is a Bender? Find Out the Meaning and Definition
A bender is a period of time when an individual consumes a large
amount of alcohol often without a break—this spree may last anywhere
between a day and a few weeks. While in some cases the term “bender” is
used to describe a fun night out with friends, technically going on a
“Bender” implies excessive drinking that lasts at least a couple of days.
This behavior may lead to unfortunate consequences both for the person
who drinks and their immediate surroundings—for instance, a heavy
A drinker may fail to show up at work, which will jeopardize their
employment.
The duration of a bender varies—some people will give up drinking
After a day, others may continue for several days and even weeks.
Besides the length of the bender, its definition includes the negative
The impact this behavior has on the person who drinks, from a massive
hangover that lasts for a long time to withdrawal symptoms that require
medical intervention.
Why Do People Go on a Bender? Main Reasons
There are various reasons to go on a bender; here are a few motivations you may want to be aware of:
- People who struggle with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression may resort to drinking to numb their feelings and feel better in the short term
- If a person has recently gone through a stressful or traumatic event in their life—for example, the death of a loved one or the loss of a job—they may start a drinking spree to cope with their
troubles - In case peer pressure is coupled with low self-esteem, an individual may give in to the persuasion of their friends or colleagues and start drinking to fit in with the group
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How to Recognize You Are on a Bender: Symptoms to Look Out For
It is important to be able to tell when either you or a person you care for has gone on a bender—pay attention to these common signs of a bender:
- The person looks unwell and complains about their health—their skin is pale, they have dark circles under their eyes, and they feel dizzy and nauseous, and they vomit and have diarrhea
- The individual is not behaving like themself—they are unusually irritable or aggressive, they cannot focus on the conversation, and their speech is slurred
- Their drinking habits have changed—they start their day with alcohol, consume several drinks during the day, and show signs of intoxication in the afternoon and evening
Dangers of Going on a Bender
Excessive alcohol consumption is never a good idea—here are a few negative consequences of going on a bender:
- Physical health issues. From a mild headache to alcohol poisoning, there are many medical problems associated with heavy drinking
- Mental health problems. While you may feel euphoria during the drinking spree, the aftermath of this behavior will include depression and anxiety
- Personal and professional consequences. A drinking Habit can destroy a person’s life—you may fail to show up at work, damage your romantic relationship, and even have trouble with the law if your behavior under the influence is inappropriate
Can You Stop and Prevent a Bender?
Whether you have struggled with alcohol addiction in the past or this is the first time you have gone on a bender, it is possible to stop and prevent this behavior. Here is what you can do to help yourself:
- Avoid situations that trigger your drinking habit—for instance, if you used alcohol to cope with stress, find healthier alternatives such as exercise and meditation
- Reach out to your friends and family and let them know you are struggling—it will be easier to overcome the addiction when you have a support system in place
- Talk to a mental health professional—a therapist will be able to get to the bottom of your behavior and equip you with techniques and medications you may need to deal with the addiction
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FAQs
What does “going on a bender” mean?
A bender is a period of time that lasts a few days or weeks in which a person who consumes a lot of alcohol is often accompanied by physical and mental health issues.
What are the symptoms of being on a bender?
The most common signs of a bender are as follows: feeling unwell, behaving strangely, and drinking a lot of alcohol. If you notice these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, it may be necessary to talk to a therapist.
What are the reasons to go on a bender?
People may start drinking for a variety of reasons—to cope with their mental health struggles, to deal with a stressful event in their life, or to fit in with their peers.
Is it dangerous to go on a bender?
Bender may lead to numerous negative consequences—poor physical and mental health problems in a person’s professional and personal life, and even issues with the law.
How to stop a bender?
You can stop a bender by identifying triggers that make you drink, reaching out to your loved ones for support, and contacting a mental health professional who will help.
