Study Examines Harm Caused by Binge Drinking

New research finds that a weekly alcohol binge can be more harmful than drinking the same amount of alcohol over several days, the Dominion Post reported Aug. 27.

With binge drinking increasing worldwide, the New Zealand report said that experts are slowly recognizing that most alcohol-related problems stem from binge drinking and not people who are alcoholics.

In addition to injuries and social problems, the report found that people who binge drink are compromising their health. Binge drinking increases the risk of thrombosis, high blood pressure, liver disease, and sudden cardiac death.

Mike MacAvoy, chief executive of New Zealand's Alcohol Advisory Council, agreed with the report's findings. "People here are reporting consuming more and more per occasion, and often in frightening quantities. It's a worldwide worry," he said.

Rather than continue to focus on total consumption figures, MacAvoy said the council would focus on consumption per occasion.

"It's definitely about how you drink, not only how much," said MacAvoy. "Spreading your drinks is the best option, but that doesn't mean bingeing every night. A couple of drinks each evening is without doubt a more sensible and generally more pleasant way of consuming alcohol. But if you're still finishing off a bottle of wine between two every night of the week, there are a whole range of other health risks to contend with."

The study is published in the Aug. 28, 2004 issue of New Scientist magazine.

Source: www.jointogether.org