Benders...

Benders…

is a slang term for drinking way too much alcohol for an extended period, and is often summarized as: he went on a drinking bender last week.

Its hallmarks are punch drunk intoxication, periods of unconsciousness, and resuming the drinking barrage when awake.

These benders can last for days or weeks.

Those most likely to overindulge are often self-medicating emotional or physical wounds and unresolved traumas.

While it may offer temporary relief or numbing from what torments, it is highly dangerous and ultimately prolongs the agony and potential for serious or lethal outcomes.

A bender is not to be confused with binge drinking, in which a person habitually and intentionally guzzles four to five drinks in less than two hours for the purpose of surpassing the legal blood alcohol level of 0.08 grams percent.

This is usually done for a night, but don’t be lulled into a false sense of wellbeing.

Due to the gluttonous onslaught of liquor in such a short period, one is at risk for alcohol poisoning, seizures, brain damage, or death.

Not to be excluded from the toxic mayhem, the more extensive alcohol benders can result in alcohol withdrawal syndrome, which can be fatal in the absence of medical professionals.

The same is true for substance abuse benders, which also transpire in tandem with the unwanted possibility of being laced with a deadly synthetic opioid, fentanyl.

This menacing illicit drug’s presence, unbeknownst to the purchaser, can be easily and inconspicuously infused with powdered illegal drugs and formulated as counterfeit pills.

Unlawful fentanyl use is responsible for tens of thousands of unplanned lethal overdoses yearly.

2022’s overdoses tallied over 107,000 in the United States.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Help is available.

If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or a loved one, please reach out.

Life is precious and fragile.

September is National Suicide and Prevention Awareness Month. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service @ 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Recovery is a call away. * Healing can change everything.

~ “He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless,” Isaiah 40:29.

HEaling Link® will meet September 20, 2022 @ 7:30pm via Zoom. For more information, please contact Jackie: HEalingLink03@gmail.com Isn’t it time to get Linked?