Binge drinking

Binge drinking refers to heavy drinking over a short period of time, typically with the intention of getting intoxicated or drunk. It can impact your physical and mental health, relationships, and work performance. The health risks are even more serious if you’re under 18.

While binge drinking is a commonly used term, it is also referred to as high-risk drinking.

To reduce the risk of harm from alcohol-related disease and injury, it is recommended that healthy men and women drink no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than 4 standard drinks on any one day. 

Drinking less on each day or drinking occasion, further reduces the lifetime risk of harm from alcohol.

Stats in Australia

There are lots of reasons why people binge drink. Some people might feel pressure from their friends, or they might drink to avoid feeling awkward or uncomfortable at social events. Some people use alcohol to help cope with stress or other issues, and some people might not know how much they are really drinking.

If you are concerned about your drinking or how it might be affecting you, there are some small things you can do that can make a big difference.

• Reflect on ‘why’ and ‘when’ you drink – are there certain people, events or environments that make you drink more?
• Set yourself a challenge to reduce how much you drink – have alcohol-free days each week, and on days you choose to drink, count how many drinks you have. Find more ways to reduce your drinking. 
• Find others who are wanting to make similar changes to you. Whether you are wanting to stop drinking completely, take a break, or understand how to have a better relationship with alcohol, Hello Sunday Morning can help.