In the depths of our lives, many of us seek thrill, a dash of excitement, an edge over the mundane. We humans are peculiar; we inch toward the fire knowing we might get burned.
With that in mind, let’s talk about the trend known as “Vodka Eyeballing.” Like much of what comes from the mysterious shadowlands of modern party culture, it’s as dangerous as it sounds, so let’s face it head on.
What Is Vodka Eyeballing?
Before we get into this dangerous trend, let’s shed some light on what it exactly is. Vodka Eyeballing involves pouring vodka directly into the eye. Instead of sipping that chilled vodka shot, some misguided souls have taken to absorbing it through the thin mucous membrane of the eye for a faster high. This is a short walk on a very short plank.
Why would anyone do this? you might wonder. The reasons vary: some believe it leads to quick intoxication, while others see it as a testament to their tolerance.
What Does Vodka Eyeballing Do to Your Eyes?
- Chemical Burns: The high alcohol content in vodka can cause a chemical burn on the eye’s delicate surface, leading to pain and potential scarring.
- Corneal Abrasions: The act itself or any impurities in the vodka can lead to corneal abrasions. These are painful scratches on the clear front surface of the eye.
- Corneal Ulcers: Over time, or with repeated exposure, vodka can cause open sores on the cornea, known as corneal ulcers. These ulcers can lead to serious infections, which, if untreated, can result in loss of vision.
- Vision Disturbance: Direct exposure to alcohol can affect the tear film of the eye, leading to blurred vision and dryness.
- Permanent Damage: Repeated exposure or even a single intense exposure can lead to permanent vision damage or even blindness.
- Risk of Infection: If the vodka has any contaminants, it can introduce harmful bacteria or other pathogens to the eye, leading to infections.
The Disturbing Statistics
In our voyage of discovery, let’s take a moment to look at some startling numbers:
- In recent studies, there’s been a 30% increase in emergency eye treatments related to alcohol-based injuries.
- Binge drinking is responsible for about half of the 88,000 alcohol-related deaths in the U.S. every year.
- Approximately 17% of men and 8% of women will be dependent on alcohol in their lifetime.
Signs of Alcohol Addiction
One of the biggest dangers of vodka eyeballing is the denial surrounding it. Often, those who partake don’t see it as an addiction but as a mere party trick. Here’s a small list to understand what an addiction to alcohol might look like:
- Increasing tolerance: If one finds they need to consume more alcohol to achieve the same effect, this is a flashing warning sign.
- Binge drinking: Consuming large amounts of alcohol in short periods to get drunk is not just an alarming indicator of addiction but also a life-threatening habit.
- Withdrawal symptoms: Experiencing nausea, sweating, or shaking when not drinking is a clear sign that the body has become dependent.
- Neglecting responsibilities: When alcohol takes precedence over work, school, or family commitments, it’s time to reevaluate.
- Isolation: Preferring to drink alone or in secrecy can indicate a deeper problem.
Binge Drinking as a Gateway
Just like vodka eyeballing, binge drinking might seem like a one-off, a wild night out, but it’s a potential sign of deeper issues. Binge drinking, especially among the youth, often masks the pain, the anxiety, the questions that bubble underneath. And the more one drinks, the higher the tolerance levels rise, leading to a vicious cycle that’s hard to break, one that has to start with an alcohol detox.
Facing the Truth
Here’s the raw, unvarnished truth: vodka eyeballing is not only dangerous to the eyes, leading to potential blindness, but it’s also a glaring sign of a society’s relationship with alcohol. Let’s hold onto ourselves, our vision, both literally and metaphorically. And if you or someone you know struggles with alcohol use disorder, know that help is always available.
Getting Help With Alcohol Use Disorder
If you or a loved one are entangled in the grip of addiction, don’t walk this path alone. Reach out to EagleCrest Recovery in Benton County, Arkansas, at (844) 439-7627. Rediscover life beyond the bottle.
