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Binge Drinking THE ISSUE: In some respects, the problem of binge drinking is more worrying than taking illegal drugs, mainly because it affects so many people who are unaware of the problems it causes or even what binge drinking actually is. For many of us, all we know of binge drinking is what we’ve seen on the news which, unfortunately these days, is little more than a catchphrase thrown around to explain tax rises and stricter laws for young drinkers. It’s a real problem with real consequences. Binge drinking is defined as drinking heavily over a short period of time, drinking constantly over a few days or even weeks, or “drinking to get drunk.” The worst most people expect from a night of drinking is a blackout or bad hangover. Some of the short-term effects of excessive drinking include hangovers, nausea, shakiness, vomiting, memory loss and injury to self. But what many don’t realise is they can die from alcohol poisoning if they consume enough of it. One recent case of alcohol poisoning occurred at a college party, where a boy died after his blood alcohol level rose to 0.41 per cent—the equivalent of about 16 shots—in one hour. Long-term effects associated with binge drinking include significant damage to the brain and liver, and the risk of cancer of the mouth, throat or oesophagus. There is an increased risk of neurological disorders, heart problems and sexual problems—especially male impotency. There’s even a risk of emotional problems developing, such as depression, and problems at school, work and with relationships. RESPONSE: Terry Pratchett once said, “There are better things in life than alcohol but alcohol makes up for not having them.” But whether it really “makes up” for things we lack, continuous heavy drinking over a long period of time can lead to a person becoming physically and psychologically dependent on alcohol. Alcohol is central to everyday life in Australia and New Zealand, and an important part of being an adult. If you’re a non-drinker now, it can be hard to participate socially in non-Christian environments, such as work parties where, for many, it is held in a bar with free beer and wine, and little of anything else. Add to this peer pressure and feeling anxious or socially awkward, not knowing why you are not meant to consume alcohol makes this a difficult situation for anyone. Being educated about alcohol and drinking shouldn’t mean learning from mistakes. But not discussing the issue is leaving it to that. It’s like teaching sex education by saying, “Don’t ever have sex.” This is how alcohol and drinking is often “dealt” with. Instead of talking about and explaining the issues of alcohol, all young people are told is “Don’t drink.” That goes nowhere to explain why they shouldn’t drink or what could happen if they do. Before you decide about drinking, it is important to know how alcohol affects you as an individual, know your limits and do not exceed them. Research says that an individual’s drinking habits have an impact on at least five people other than the drinker. That’s why they describe it as being a social problem, as well as a personal one. If you’ve got problems with alochol, contact your doctor for help, treatment and advice.
Links: > www.alcohol.gov.au
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Clare Birchall writes from Sydney.
She likes firemen and dislikes waiting.
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