What binge drinking does to the body

Binge drinking may seem sort of harmless on the surface, but to count the real cost you need to look beyond the day-after-downsides and consider the short and long term health risks.

For men, binge drinking means more than six drinks in one sitting, and for women, it’s more than four drinks. But while the amounts may differ, the reasons behind binge drinking remain the same.

People who binge drink:

• don't necessarily drink every day

• may not know their own limits

• may not mean to drink a lot

• might feel peer pressured to drink large amounts

• might feel awkward in social situations if they aren't drinking.

Read the transcript.

Short term risks

The short term risks of binge drinking involve more immediate and temporary symptoms, but can still have a serious impact on your day to day health and happiness.

• Memory loss

• Bad hangovers

• Nausea, vomiting and shakes

• Alcohol poisoning

• Increased risk of physical injury

Long term risks

The long term risks of binge drinking involve more serious physical problems and potentially life threatening issues as the impact of alcohol abuse begins to affect the organs. Binge drinking may also cause or intensify mental health issues.

• Concentration and memory problems

• Brain damage

• Mental health issues

• Alcohol dependency

• Heart problems

• Diabetes and weight gain

• Liver damage

• Cancer

• Sexual problems and fertility issues