Binge Drinking

Binge Drinking

Binge drinking is a heavy use of alcohol over a short time. Today the generally accepted definition of binge drinking is the consumption of five or more drinks in a row by men—or four or more drinks in a row by women.

Advertising often makes drinking seem attractive and fun. It is easy to get caught up in the social scene and peer pressures to drink. Alcohol is the drug of choice used by young people. Some other reasons young people drink include: curiosity (what is it like to drink alcohol); you think it will make you feel good (not realizing it could just as easily make you sick and hung-over); you think it will reduce stress (even though it can end up creating more stress); or you want to feel older.

What are the risks of binge drinking?

You may not think about the negative side of drinking. Although you may think about the possibility of getting drunk, you may not give much thought to being hung-over or throwing up.

Binge drinking impairs judgment—when drinking you may be more likely to take risks that you might not take when you’re sober.

When you drink too much you are more likely to:

• Misjudge a situation or what is being said
• Become angry or moody and are more likely to get into a fight or be assaulted
• have unwanted sex or pushing unwanted sex on others (you are more likely to have unprotected sex, which will put you at greater risk of a sexually transmitted infection-STI or unplanned pregnancy)
• have a harder time in school and you’re more likely to drop out. Drinking disrupts sleep patterns which can make it harder to stay awake and concentrate during the day
• develop or worsen existing depression, anxiety and other mental health problems
• have blackouts which means you lose all memory of where you were and what you did when your were drunk

How can I be safer when I drink?

Pace yourself, alternate alcoholic drinks with soft drinks or water; eat before you drink and while you are drinking; drink slowly; stop drinking before you feel drunk; don’t mix alcohol with medicines, illegal drugs or energy drinks; watch your drink so that no one can slip anything into it when you’re not drinking; plan ahead, if you drink any alcohol do not drive and don’t ride with a driver who has been drinking

If you think you or a friend have a binge-drinking problem, get help as soon as possible. Don’t hesitate to ask someone for help. A supportive friend, a school counsellor, older sibling or trusted adult who is easy to talk to could help you to avoid pressure situations, stop drinking or find counselling.