According to the NHS, Binge drinking usually refers to drinking lots of alcohol in a short
space of time, or drinking to get drunk.
Researchers define binge drinking as consuming 8 or more units in a single session for
men and 6 or more for women.
However, this definition does not apply to everyone because the tolerance and the speed of drinking in a session
will vary from person to person. Young people and those with smaller builds and women may very well feel the
effects of alcohol after only drinking a small amount of alcohol.
Binge drinking is not an everyday activity; this is a drinking pattern that varies, e.g. weekends, once a month or
heavy drinking for two or three days then no alcohol for a few weeks.
The NHS has also stated that by binge drinking the chance of a heart attack is increased. There is also the
risk of inhaling your vomit if you are sick when very drunk, this can lead to suffocation.
The government has advised that people should not regularly drink more than the daily unit
guidelines which are 3 – 4 units of alcohol for men and 2-3 units of alcohol for women.
‘Regularly’ means drinking every day or most days of the week. It has also been suggested
if you have part taken in a heavy drinking session you should take a break for at least
48 hours.
Hazardous Drinking
Drinking too much, too often and more than the recommended daily limits – hazardous drinking is defined
by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as drinking up to 35 units a week for a woman, or up to 50 units
a week for a man. Hazardous drinking includes heavy binge drinking that can cause potential problems to
you or others.
Harmful Drinking
Drinking over 35 units a week for a woman, or over 50 units a week for a man. This level of drinking is
almost certain to bring harm to yourself, others and the quality of your life.
Dependent Drinking
Uncontrollable drinking to satisfy cravings and avoid withdrawal symptoms. Dependent drinkers will drink
alcohol just to feel and function normally.