Binge Drinking

Men and women have different drinking capacities and being drunk slows down your reaction time and ability to process information. Binge drinking is a common pattern of excessive alcohol use and refers to drinking heavily over a short period of time with the intention of getting drunk, resulting in immediate and severe intoxication. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines binge drinking as a pattern of drinking that brings a person's Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) to 0.08 grams per cent or above. This typically happens when men consume five or more drinks, and when women consume four or more drinks, in about two hours.
Binge drinking is most common among 16 to 24-year-olds. Consuming large quantities of alcohol in a short period of time is getting very popular today but can have several consequences.
How harmful is binge drinking?
- Possible increase risk of neurological disorders, heart problems, memory loss, sexual problems (especially male impotency).
- Risk of developing emotional problems such as depression, problems at school or work and issues within relationships.
- Changes in mood and executive function can alter behavior in ways that could promote progression to alcohol dependence.
Short Term Effects
Hangovers, headaches, nausea, vomiting and memory loss. Accidents and falls are common because being drunk affects your balance and co-ordination. Overdosing on alcohol can stop your breathing or your heart, or you could choke on your vomit. There is also a risk that overdosing on alcohol (sometimes called alcohol poisoning) can also cause death.
Long Term Effects
Long term effects could include becoming physically or psychologically dependent upon alcohol, and developing liver or brain damage. Many studies suggest that drinking every day is linked to a higher risk of serious liver disease than binge drinking.

Risk Factors
- Unemployment
- Poor Mental Health
- Low Level Education
- Culture
- Low Self Esteem
- Victim Of Abuse Or Bullying
- Family Or Relationship (Break Down)
- Peer Influence
- Easy Access Or Availability Of Alcohol e.g. Adults Or Sibling Who Will Supply To Minors

Protective Factors
Young people need to establish strong bonds and respectful relationships with adults. These relationships allow young people to develop strong personal support networks for guidance and support in both good and challenging times. Supportive relationships allow young people to make positive decisions in a safe environment as they push boundaries and seek independence.
Young people who live in family environments with dew boundaries and restrictions of then take risks and may be more likely to access and consume alcohol. This has the potential to result in trouble with the law and have consequences on their financial, social and physical health. Clear behavioral boundaries and restrictions can reduce a young person’s access to alcohol and limit their opportunity for alcohol abuse. Young people with clear boundaries are more likely to make positive decisions in relation to alcohol use.
Young people with these protective factors in place are less likely to misuse alcohol and suffer the harms associated with alcohol consumption. These protective factors enable young people to cope with challenging situations to reduce the use of alcohol.

The National Binge Drinking Campaign
On 10 March 2008, the Australian Government announced the $53.5 million National Binge Drinking Strategy to address the high levels of binge drinking among young Australians. Binge drinking among young people is a community