For people above legal drinking age only
Don’t drink and drive
Don’t drink while pregnant
Avoiding Extreme Drinking
Avoiding Extreme Drinking
Helping people make informed choices about alcohol.
Avoiding Extreme Drinking
Excessive Drinking is a form of irresponsible drinking that can be dangerous, even deadly.
SUMMARY
Excessive drinking is the pattern of consumption involving rapid intoxication or intoxication over an extended period of time
Whether we are talking about ‘excessive drinking’, ‘binge drinking’ or ‘heavy episodic drinking’ these ways of drinking alcohol are harmful to health
Contrary to popular beliefs, excessive drinking can happen at any stage of your life, it’s not just a problem for underage drinkers
Excessive drinking usually means drinking an excessive amount in a short period of time
Whether labelled ‘binge drinking’, ‘extreme drinking’ or ‘heavy episodic drinking’, any pattern of drinking that involves rapid intoxication or intoxication for an extended period of time carries the potential for considerable social, psychological and physical harm, and should be avoided.
While there is no universal scientific or medical definition of what constitutes ‘binge’ or ‘excessive drinking, it usually means drinking excessive amounts of alcohol in a short period of time.
Whatever the definition, the important thing is what can be done to prevent it.
EXCESSIVE DRINKING CARRIES THE POTENTIAL FOR CONSIDERABLE SOCIAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL HARM
Excessive drinking can take a toll on the take body and be dangerous. It can cause or contribute to:
Alcohol poisoning
Accidents, including car accidents
Brain or neurological damage
Gastrointestinal tract damage
Liver damage and increased risk for certain cancers
Risky behaviors
Alcohol dependence
Stroke or cardiovascular problems
Poor academic performance
Absenteeism
Extreme drinking not only affects the person who is drinking but it can affect others who are exposed to, and who may rely on them.
If an excessive drinker fails to make responsible choices, those who either are not drinking or who drink responsibly can be subjected to problems ranging from rude or loud behavior to accidents caused by drunk driving.
SMART DRINKING AND TIPS TO CONTROL ALCOHOL INTAKE
Understanding the alcohol by volume in your drink helps you to drink responsibly. This information is always on the label
Know what type of alcohol beverage you are drinking. The lower the alcohol content, the better
Do not drink too fast. Enjoy every sip and have enough time in between drinks
Include non-alcoholic drinks in your line-up
Never drink on an empty stomach
Take action
Binge or excessive drinking can happen at any stage of your life. No matter how old you are, it’s irresponsible and dangerous.
Download our factsheets
- For people above legal drinking age only
- Don’t drink and drive
- Don’t drink while pregnant