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Binge or Episodic (Bout) DrinkingAlcoholism or problem drinking is not always about consuming excessively on a daily or hourly basis. Binge or episodic (bout) drinking can be a pattern of consumption which can put lives at risk and store up medical problems for the future.
Impact of Binge DrinkingAccording to the British Medical Association, excessive alcohol consumption can have a wide range of adverse effects – medical, personal and social. ´Young people who binge drink report engaging in a range of risk-taking behaviours while drunk, including getting into cars or going home with strangers, using unlicensed mini-cabs, having unprotected sex and taking part in ‘pranks’ which put them in physical danger. Binge drinking is strongly related to accidents and violence. Men are most likely to be the victim of violence and to commit violent offences but drinking is also related to domestic violence and can increase the risk of sexual assault.´ (www.bma.org.uk/ap.nsf/Content/Hubhotpbingedrinking).
Defining Binge DrinkingBinge drinking is now often referred to as heavy drinking over an evening or other time span often associated with drinking with the intention of becoming intoxicated and, sometimes, with drinking in groups. Alcohol Concern have defined binge drinking as consuming more than five drinks on a single occasion. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) definition of ‘heavy’ drinking is eight or more units for men and six or more units for women on at least one day in the week. This equates to a minimum of approximately two thirds of a bottle of wine for women or four pints of beer for men. (www.bma.org.uk/ap.nsf/Content/Hubhotpbingedrinking).
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