Binge drinking is a growing concern pervading all sectors of society, from stressed out, high income earners to the unemployed. And hardly a day goes by without newspaper reports detailing the alcohol-fueled antics of drunken teenagers, rampaging through city centers. But what sort of toll is binge drinking taking on their health?


What is binge drinking?

The term ‘binge drinking’ refers to those who drink an excessive amount of alcohol in a short amount of time in order to become intoxicated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website advises this would typically amount to five or more drinks for men or four or more drinks for women within the time span of less than two hours. In the US, one standard drink equates to 12 ounces of beer, 8 ounces of malt liquor, 5 ounces of wine and 1.5 ounces, (a shot) of spirits.

Effects of binge drinking

While some studies show that drinking in moderation can have a positive effect on health, binge drinking on the other hand, has potentially life threatening consequences for both physical and mental health. However, not everyone will react the same way when drinking similar amounts of alcohol. Factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, physical condition, current medication or drug use, prior consumption of food and family history of alcohol problems all play a part in the effects of an individual's responses to binge drinking.

Those who binge drink are putting themselves at risk for some of the following problems:

• Increased risk of injury or death 

Binge drinking generally leads to drunkenness and once intoxicated, people quickly lose their sense of coordination, rendering them more likely to fall and injure themselves. Additionally, alcohol can severely impair the functioning of the nervous system, reducing the efficiency of involuntary actions such as the heartbeat and breathing. It also increases the likelihood of choking on vomit. And because alcohol dilates the blood vessels, those in a drunken state feel warm, though they're rapidly losing body heat. On a cold night, this could potentially lead to hypothermia.

• Alcohol poisoning

Binge drinking is also the main cause of alcohol poisoning in the US, accounting for up to 50,000 cases each year. Alcohol poisoning occurs when the liver, which is reponsible for processing alcohol, is unable to metabolize the volume of alcohol fast enough. Because the liver can only deal with around one drink per hour, drinking more than this causes alcohol levels within the blood to rise to dangerous levels. Young people in particular, who are less used to the effects of alcohol, are more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol poisoning.

• Nutritional deficiencies

Alcohol contains 'empty' calories. This means nutritionally, alcohol doesn’t contribute any useful vitamins or minerals. Binge drinkers also tend to eat a poor diet, often resorting to fast food and takeway meals while they're out. And because alcohol interferes with the digestive process, this makes it difficult to properly absorb vital nutrients from any food that is consumed. Furthermore, the diuretic nature of alcohol may lead to excessive urination, causing further loss of nutrients.

• Emotional and behavioral problems

Binge drinking is more likely to induce violent and aggressive behavior which can often result in dangerous or harmful situations. It may also produce chronic mood swings while affecting the memory and possibly leading to longer term mental health problems. Binge drinking has even been linked to self harm.

• Weight gain

People often don't realize how calorific alcohol is. All alcohol is high in sugar with seven calories per gram. However, it's those who binge drink on alcoholic beverages such as wine, beer and cider who are more likely to pile on the pounds simply because of the volume that's drunk in comparison to spirits.

A single glass of white wine has around 155 calories and two glasses of beer has a similar number of calories as a Big Mac. Too much weight gain may lead to obesity and the associated health risks, such as raised blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease.

While those who binge drink may be able to get away with such behavior once in a while, making a habit of it is literally 'dicing with death'.  For those who want to enjoy their alcoholic beverages while not being overly concerned about the negative effects on their health, the key is to drink responsibly and in moderation.


Sources:CDC; Mayo Clinic; Drinkaware