Binge drink problem rife

A THIRD of Australians aged 18 to 24 are classified as binge drinkers, with nearly one-in-four drinking to the point of passing out on at least five occasions, a new study reveals.

The research, commissioned by the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation, also found one-in-three people in that age bracket who typically drank 10 or more drinks did not see themselves as binge drinkers.

The survey, of 500 men and women across Australia, found 44 per cent had drunk so much they passed out on at least one occasion and 22 per cent on five or more occasions.

Four per cent admitted to having passed out more than 20 times.

The survey also showed binge drinkers tended to cling together, finding they are more likely to befriend, date and consider marrying other excessive drinkers.

According to National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines, men who drink 11 or more drinks in one sitting are considered to be binge drinking, while seven drinks puts women in the danger zone.

The study also revealed binge drinkers were more likely to have a one-night stand when they were drunk.

But at the same time, 59 per cent of respondents said they felt alcohol affected their sex life in a negative way.

And 96 per cent said it also had a negative effect on their weight.

However, 85 per cent of those aged 18 to 24 said they would seek help if they had a drinking problem.

The foundation now plans to work with the music, fashion and media industries, to kick-off a campaign called Fresh Party.

To begin in Sydney on April 14, it will be a daytime event aimed at turning around the image of binge drinking from being considered to be another form of entertainment.

“Binge drinking is a wide-spread community problem,” foundation director Cheryl Bart said.

Following on from the Sydney event, will be an on-going calendar of Fresh events.