What is considered binge drinking?

Binge drinking is defined as the consumption of alcohol to intoxication in a short period of time and a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reaches 0.08 g/dl or above. This typically happens when men consume 5 or more drinks or women consume 4 or more drinks in about 2 hours. A drink consists of 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of liquor.

Alcohol Poisoning

Alcohol poisoning is the most life-threatening consequence of binge drinking, potentially leading to a coma or death. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include:

• Mental confusion or unconsciousness
• Repeated vomiting
• Seizures
• Slow or irregular breathing
• Low body temperature
• Pale, clammy, or bluish skin

Long-Term effects of excessive drinking

Drinking alcohol excessively and frequently for a long period of time can cause harm to several parts of the body. These include:

Brain damage

• Adverse effects on memory function, concentration, reasoning, planning and visuo-spatial skills.
• Stroke

Diseases in digestive system

• Stomach ulcers
• Gastritis
• Stomach cancer

Heart problems

• Heart muscle disorders
• Heartbeat rhythm irregularities
• High blood pressure

Cancer risks

• Increase risk of breast, mouth, throat, oesophagus, liver, and colon cancers

Liver diseases

• Liver function is affected
• Development of fatty liver, which can lead to liver cirrhosis (scarring)
• Alcoholic hepatitis (signs include swollen liver, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, bleeding, jaundice)

Psychological problems

• Mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and insomnia

Sexual and hormonal dysfunctions

• Erectile dysfunction
• Lowering of testosterone concentrations
• Sperm growth is affected
• Lowered fertility in women
• Altered hormonal levels in premenopausal women, which increases the risk of osteoporosis

Skeletal muscle damage

• Skeletal muscle myopathy (reduction of muscle weight and lean tissue wasting)​

Other alcohol-related problems

• Accidents, injuries and high-risk behaviours

Drink driving accounts for a large proportion of those injured or killed in road traffic accidents. Also, alcohol abuse is associated with high-risk behaviours such as physical assaults and risky sexual behaviour.

• Pregnancy and/or child developmental problems

Prenatal exposure to high levels of alcohol has been associated with a range of developmental problems such as foetal alcohol syndrome, causing permanent birth defects.

• Lower participation and involvement in daily activities

Binge drinking and subsequent hangovers contribute to the loss of productivity and/or absenteeism.