Some information about binge drinking

Alcohol is the most widely used recreational drug in Australia. We have a culture of socially accepting the drinking of alcohol, with many Australians drinking after work, at barbeques, on the weekend, and at sporting events amongst other things.

What is binge drinking?

Binge drinking is drinking heavily over a short period of time, or drinking continuously over a number of days or weeks. It is also commonly known as 'getting smashed', or 'drinking to get drunk'. A person who binge drinks may usually have restrained drinking habits, but may frequently overindulge to an extreme level. Alternatively, someone may not necessarily set out to drink a lot, but may be unsure of their limits, resulting in drinking too much over a short period of time. You may also be more likely to binge drink if you are feeling peer pressure to do so. Or, you may be feeling anxious or socially awkward, for example at a party, and you may binge drink with the aim to reduce those feelings.

Is binge drinking harmful?

Binge drinking can be immediately and directly harmful to your health. It can expose you to injury or to unnecessary risks to yourself and others. As well as having adverse short-term effects, binge drinking can also cause long-term effects on your health and well-being.

Possible effects of binge drinking

Short-term effects

Hangovers
Nausea
Shakiness
Vomiting and memory loss
Injury to yourself

Long-term effects

Continuous heavy drinking over a long period of time can lead to a person becoming physically and psychologically dependent on alcohol.
Significant damage to the brain and liver.
Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat or oesophagus
Possible increased risk of neurological disorders, heart problems, and sexual problems (especially male impotency).
Risk of emotional problems developing, such as depression, problems at school, work and with relationships.

Other possible effects

Binge drinking can lead to doing things you wouldn't normally do, such as having unprotected sex, or unwanted sex. This might lead to unwanted pregnancy, or STI's.
Feeling bad about yourself, embarrassed by your own actions
Vulnerability while intoxicated
Losing friends or loved ones as a result of your behaviour
Loss of money, after reckless spending on alcohol