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Experts warn high-intensity drinking poses greater risks than traditional binge drinking
Holidays are around the corner and with Christmas just a few days away, plans have been made for gatherings with family and friends. And in festivities, alcohol is a staple feature. In fact, according to statistics, alcohol consumption peaks around Christmas and New Year’s Eve, with people across the world doubling their usual amount of alcohol.
While these are happy occasions but is also a concerning trend that leads to high-intensity drinki experts warn may pose even greater risks than traditional binge drinking.
Binge drinking
If you are drinking four or more drinks (for women) and five or more drinks (for men) within a short time, usually around two hours – you are indulging in binge drinking.
High-intensity drinking
Experts say high-intensity drinking involves guzzling at least twice these amounts - eight or more drinks (for women) and ten or more (for men) at the same time.
Not only do both types lead to disinhibition, but with high-intensity alcohol, you are more likely to indulge in risky activities, which you may otherwise steer clear of.
Why do people engage in high-intensity drinking?
Studies say youngsters – especially those who are under 30 years of age, are most at risk for indulging in high-intensity drinking – with mostly students involved in it. Experts say it happens mostly due to less parental supervision and a complete overhaul and change of social environment with more freedom and like-minded friends in college.
However, research also says that the tendency to drink more has increased since the pandemic across the world. A 2024 study found that alcohol drinking increased during COVID-19 and has stayed on the higher side since then. From 2018-2020, heavy drinking spiked by 20 per cent, and overall alcohol usage increased by 4 per cent.
While high-intensity drinking is usually associated just with social events like holidays, parties, and festivals, those who drink more even alone may also drink more along with friends as a form of release.
Severe health risks of high-intensity drinking
Drinking, on the whole, is associated with various dangerous health risks, and high-intensity drinking – which involves double the amount of alcohol can be disastrous.
A few health risks with high-intensity drinking include:
- Blackouts
- Difficulty walking
- Impaired decision-making
- Vomiting and nausea
- Severe hangovers
- Unsafe sexual activity
- Injuries
- Cancer
- Kidney failure
- Liver diseases
- Heart attacks and strokes
- Weak immunity
- Anxiety and stress
- Memory loss
- Depression
How to drink responsibly?
While doctors say even one serving of alcohol is disastrous for your health, if you want to drink with friends or during parties and holiday celebrations, you must do it responsibly.
- Always make sure to never drink with an empty stomach and always eat a snack, as it can help slow down the absorption of alcohol.
- Always keep drinking lots of water in between so that you do not get dehydrated, as it can cause severe headaches.
- Make sure to never drink and drive and always arrange for someone sober to drive you back home.
- Even though there is no safe limit for alcohol, just have 2-3 drinks a month if you have to.
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