Know… about binge drinking
Many people think ‘binge drinking’ is when a person drinks continually, possibly for a couple of days or more, giving up other activities and responsibilities, including work and family. We've all heard people saying things like:
A binge is when you drink for three to four days constantly...
...disappearing at the weekend and being found in the pub drunk all the time...
...drinking to the point where you don’t remember anything...
Actually, binge drinking is:
- a man drinking ten or more units of alcohol in one session (as little as five pints of normal strength beer);
- a woman drinking seven or more units of alcohol in one session (eg three small glasses of wine and a couple of vodkas).
Health experts have determined that drinking above these levels can be harmful to your health. And if you think about it… many of us actually binge drink regularly at weekends without realising!
Binge drinking doesn't even mean you have to be drunk – some people who drink regularly would not be drunk at these levels, while others would be very drunk indeed.
Binge drinking is associated with particular risks to health, even if you drink less than your weekly limit (21 units for men or 14 units for women).
Click here to find out how binge drinking can affect you.