Alcohol is the most widely used recreational drug in Australia. Because of its popularity, people don't tend to think of it as a drug, or even realise that it can be harmful. But alcohol is the largest cause of drug-related deaths among Australian teenagers.
According to a report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, in 1998 alcohol was the cause of 814 deaths and 25,207 hospital admissions for people between the age of 15 and 34.
What is binge drinking?
The term 'binge drinking' can mean different things to different people, but some common definitions are:
- Drinking so that you can deliberately get drunk
- Occasional and irregular bouts of heavy drinking
- Normally being a responsible drinker, but often overindulging
A survey of Australian secondary students in 2005 found that one in five people between the age of 12 and 17 admitted to binge drinking, or drinking unsafe amounts of alcohol. For people between 16 and 17 the figure increased to one in five. That's six people in every average school classroom who are binge drinkers.
Binge drinking: the risks
Regularly drinking large amounts of alcohol can damage your body, social life and relationships. You might think you're are fine, but in fact you're not. And if you're under 18, the health risks are even more serious.
Some of the risks involved with binge drinking include:
- Having accidents
- Getting into fights or arguments
- Missing work
- Feeling depressed
- Passing out
- Loss of valuable and personal items like wallets, jewelery, phones and iPods
- Having unsafe sex & unwanted pregnancy
Some of the long-term risks of binge drinking include:
- Liver damage
- Stomach ulcers
- Sexual problems
- Weight problems
- Depression
Becoming addicted
One of the most serious long-term risks of binge drinking is becoming dependent on alcohol, both physically and psychologically. Your body can get used to functioning with alcohol present, and drinking can start to become more important than anything else in your life. This is what is called alcoholism.
How much is too much?
The NHMRC defines a "standard drink" as a drink that contains 10 grams of pure alcohol. Some examples of drinks that have this much alcohol in them include:
- One pot (285ml) of full-strength beer
- Three-quarters of a 375ml stubby of full-strength beer
- One shot (30ml) of straight spirits
- One small glass of table wine (100ml)
- Three-quarters (330ml) of a bottle of alcoholic soda (alcopop)
This is just a guide. It's important to remember that some venues put more alcohol in their mixed drinks. A big glass of wine is closer to two standard drinks, and drinks served at home generally have more alcohol in them. Some cocktails have more than one shot of alcohol in them, too.
In terms of "how much is too much", the NHMRC says that:
- For males, drinking more than 7-10 standard drinks on any one day is risky
- For females, drinking more than 5-6 standard drinks on any one day is risky
These guidelines are based on an average weight of around 60kg for males and 50kg for females. A person with smaller than average body weight or size should drink less than an average-sized person.
Stay in control
The best tip to staying healthy is to avoid alcohol, but if you give in to the temptation, here are some ways to avoid getting out of control:
- Set yourself limits and stick to them
- Don't drink too fast - sip, don't gulp
- Remember that alcopops might not taste like alcohol, but they still have the same effect
- Have one drink at a time
- Stay active - do something else besides drinking (e.g., dancing, talking with mates, go for a walk, play games, watch DVDs)
- Have lots of water when you're drinking alcohol
- Don't drink alone - stay with your friends and look after each other
- Don't accept drinks from people you don't know
- Make sure you have at least two alcohol-free days every week
Drinking responsibly doesn't mean that you have to give up drinking altogether. It just means being aware of the risks involved in such a seductively common and popular behaviour, and making decisions that will keep you happy and healthy.
Links
Better Health Channel - Alcohol
Information about alcohol consumption and how the body processes it.
Salvation Army - Binge drinking
Information and downloadable booklets about binge drinking and alcohol abuse.
Reach Out! - Binge drinking
An overview of the problem of binge drinking for young people.
DrugInfo Clearinghouse: Alcohol
A program of the Australian Drug Foundation that provides easy access to info about alcohol and other drugs
