What is binge drinking and what does it do to your body?
It can be easy to lose track of how many drinks you’ve had, especially when you’re out with friends or celebrating something big. But knowing what binge drinking is, why it happens and the effects it has on your body can help you to stay safe and in control.
Lots of people drink to celebrate, socialise or relax. But sometimes, a few drinks can turn into a few too many, and you might end up drinking a harmful amount without meaning to. This is called binge drinking.
Understanding your reasons for drinking heavily, and the risks involved, can help you to make choices that feel right for you.
What counts as binge drinking?
Australian government guidelines recommend no more than four standard drinks on any one day, to reduce the risk of alcohol-related harm.
Binge drinking is when you drink more than this. It’s different from alcoholism, which usually involves a dependence on alcohol and drinking more regularly. It’s about consuming a lot of alcohol in a single session, which can happen for lots of different reasons.
Why you might binge drink
There are many reasons why you might drink more than you planned to. Recognising your own patterns can help you to change them. Here are some common reasons.
To boost a good time
Our culture often links drinking more with having more fun. But the fun can stop pretty quickly when you lose control or become drunk, or when you have to deal with the hangover, memory loss or regrets the next day.
To manage social anxiety or difficult feelings
It can be tempting to have a few drinks to ‘take the edge off’ in social situations. While it might make you feel more confident in the short term, alcohol can often make anxiety or low moods worse in the long run.
To fit in or because of peer pressure
When everyone around you is drinking, it can feel easier to just go along with the crowd. But if your friends are pressuring you to drink, it might be worth thinking about whether those friendships are healthy for you.
Forgetting to pace yourself
The line between having fun and drinking a risky amount can get fuzzy. You might start the night with good intentions, but then lose track. Slowing down and having a non-alcoholic drink in between alcoholic ones can make a big difference.
The short-term risks of binge drinking
These risks can appear after just one session of binge drinking. While they are usually temporary, they can have a serious impact on your health and safety. They include:
memory loss
bad hangovers
nausea, vomiting and shakes
alcohol poisoning
increased risk of injury to yourself or others.
The long-term risks of binge drinking
If binge drinking happens regularly over a long period, it can cause serious and lasting damage to your body and mind. These risks include:
concentration and memory problems
brain damage
mental health issues, or making existing ones worse
alcohol dependency
heart problems
diabetes and weight gain
liver damage
cancer
sexual and fertility problems.
What you can do to get support
If you’re worried about your drinking, there’s no shame in reaching out. There are practical steps you can take to get it under control.
For immediate help, call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.
If you’re worried about your drinking habits, read about the signs that you might have a drinking problem.
If you want to talk things through with someone who will listen without judgement, you can book a free, confidential chat with a ReachOut peer worker.
Learning how to stop binge drinking can take time, but seeking support is a powerful first step.
Want to know more?
Just Ask ReachOut, our AI tool that gives you reliable, anonymous answers to your questions, generated from ReachOut articles and resources.
What can I do now?
Get some tips for what to do when you’re feeling peer pressure.
Learn about how to look after a friend who is drunk to make sure they stay safe.
Get practical tips for drinking responsibly and staying in control on a night out.