But the increase in social events during party season could lead to what’s called ‘high-intensity drinking’, a risky habit that researchers say goes far beyond binge drinking.
Binge drinking was originally defined by Harvard researcher Henry Wechsler in the 1990’s with the 5/4 measure, meaning five alcoholic drinks consumed in a two-hour period for men and four for women. High-intensity drinking equates to double the amount of alcohol compared to bingeing: 10 or more drinks in a row for men and eight or more for women.
According to the Institute of Alcohol Studies, alcohol consumption in the UK has been in decline overall over the last two decades, but high-intensity drinking is still a cause for concern, with NHS figures from 2022 showing ‘higher risk’ levels of drinking for 6 per cent of men (over 50 units a week) and 4 per cent of women (over 35 units a week).
Immediate effects of high-intensity drinking
High-intensity drinking is more harmful than binge drinking because of the extreme volume of alcohol consumed in a short time.
Signs of alcohol poisoning can include confusion, the slurring of words, being unable to stand up, walk or speak, being sick and passing out. You should call 999 if you suspect someone has alcohol poisoning.
“Drinking alcohol causes short-term changes to the way your brain functions, impacting your judgement and self-control, which may lead to an increased chance of injuries or making decisions that you wouldn’t usually,” says Dr Luke Powles, associate clinical director at Bupa Health Clinics.
In terms of mental health, high-intensity drinking can increase the risk of conditions such as depression and anxiety.
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“Drinking too much and frequently can affect you physically in many areas, harming your liver, fertility, heart, digestive and nervous systems,” says Powles. “It can also increase your chances of developing various cancers, including mouth, bowel and liver.”
“[High-intensity drinking] can also increase blood pressure and strain the heart, leading to potential heart rhythm abnormalities or even heart failure,” Debar says. “Over time, it can contribute to brain shrinkage and permanent damage, especially in younger people whose brains are still developing.”
How to avoid high-intensity drinking
“Getting to grips with your reasons for doing this will help you to focus on the positives and stay motivated,” Piper says. “Whether you’re sick of hangovers, want to save money, have a health and fitness goal or purely want to drink more mindfully throughout the festive period, it can be helpful to write down your reasons to help keep you motivated.”
And if in doubt, Powles says, ask for help: “It’s important to seek support if your relationship with alcohol is affecting your health. Reach out to your GP or local support service who will be able to advise on next steps.”
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