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Binge Drinking

Alcohol use can interfere with who you want to be and where you want to go in life. If you drink, make sure you know how to stay safe and don't let it take control of you.

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BINGE DRINKING

What is binge drinking and what are the risks?

Binge drinking is drinking a lot of alcohol in a short time with the intention of getting drunk. Binge drinking often leads to a number of physical effects, including:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Hangover
  • Shakiness
  • Blackouts (memory loss)
  • Passing out
  • Injury (from having less physical control or from recklessness)
  • Alcohol poisoning
  • Sexual risks – when both people agree to have sex (consensual sex) alcohol can lower your awareness of possible risks, like the risks of not using a condom
  • Risk of aggressive behaviours – Alcohol should never be used as an excuse for assault of any kind
  • Risk of damaging relationships with family or friends
  • Making health conditions worse
  • Causing health problems, like long-term liver damage

Symptoms of alcohol poisoning

The symptoms listed below can indicate possible alcohol poisoning.

  • Severe confusion
  • Vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Blue colour to skin
  • Passing out repeatedly
  • Decrease in body temperature

If you suspect someone has an alcohol overdose (poisoning), call 911 as soon as possible and don’t leave the person alone. For more information on what to do if you see someone overdose, check out Towards the Heart. 

What Next?

Want to explore and learn more? Here are a couple options that will help you.

Take the Under 19 Alcohol & Substance Use Self-checkTake the 19 & Older Alcohol Self-checkTips for Safer Alcohol Use