Binge Drinking
Have you ever played drinking games to purposefully get drunk? Have you downed a whole drink or several shots in a short space of time? Have you consumed a whole bottle of wine or pack of beers before heading into town?
If the answer is yes to any of the above then you have been binge drinking, which can be extremely bad for your health.
Defined as ‘drinking a large amount of alcohol in a short space of time’, binge drinking can be very dangerous and put your physical and mental health at risk.
Going on a bender could mean:
- You suffer an accident or fall because being drunk affects your balance and co-ordination.
- You’re more likely to suffer head, hand and facial injuries. Binge drinking has also been linked to self-harm.
- Death, in extreme cases. Overdosing on alcohol can stop you breathing or stop your heart, or you could choke on your vomit.
- Your mood and memory are affected, which can in the long term lead to serious mental health problems.
For men, consuming more than 8 units of alcohol in one session is considered binge drinking, whereas it is 6 units for women. Get clued up on how many units of alcohol you have been ingesting and what is a safe amount.
It is possible to have a great night without binge drinking and getting absolutely hammered - visit our Top Tips page.
If you would like to cut down on your drinking please contact the Frisky or Risky team based at the Cornerstone Clinic in Colchester on 01206 363003 or the Essex Young People’s Drug and Alcohol service in Chelmsford on 01245 493311.
