Binge Drinking

The Department of Health defines binge drinking as consuming more than double the recommended daily allowance of alcohol in one session.

The UK Government recommends that this is no more than 2 to 3 units a day for women, and no more than 3 to 4 units for men. It is important to remember that 1 drink does not equal 1 unit.

Even the most optimistic research on binge drinking shows that there is no doubt the issue remains a major problem in the UK. At least 26% of 16 to 24 year-old males and 19% of 16 to 24 year-old females binge drink, according to the last Office of National Statistics' General Household Survey.

Binge drinking not only impacts the drinker, but UK society in general. According to the Home Office, 63% of 18 to 24 year-olds admit to committing criminal or disorderly behaviour while drinking. This demonstrates the need for this group in particular to take personal responsibility for their alcohol consumption.

This website provides facts, tips and insights on responsible drinking to help you recognise the difference between enjoying a drink responsibly and binge drinking.

Please see our Hints & Tips section to help open your eyes to responsible drinking and our How much do you know? quiz to see if you really know your stuff.

Our Useful Links page can guide you to a selection of independent resources for further information about binge drinking that are available for youngsters, adults and parents.

Further details on the information above can be found at:

Department of Healthwww.dh.gov.uk
National Statistics Onlinewww.statistics.gov.uk
Institute of Alcohol Studieswww.ias.org.uk