What image comes to mind when I say the words ‘binge drinker’? Young people knocking back shots and staggering out of the bars, barely able to stand, perhaps?
What if I told you that three standard glasses of wine consumed in one sitting is considered a binge?
You may be shocked by that information, but six or more units of alcohol for women (eight for men) is enough, meaning that many people who would be baffled at the suggestion that they are a binge drinker might actually be one. Therefore, with the holiday party season upon us, you’ll have to forgive me for putting on my party hat for a few minutes.
While I want everyone to enjoy themselves, my concern is that I know that a large number of people will end up consuming far more alcohol than is safe and will likely be completely unaware of the damage they are causing.
Some may already be reading this and thinking, ‘Where’s the harm? It’s once a year!’ Maybe you’ve decided you want to make up for it by doing dry January? I’m sorry to say that a month of binge drinking can’t magically be canceled out by a month of sobriety.
Last week’s Panorama shone a light on the devastating effects of alcohol on women’s health. It was presented by BBC journalist Hazel Martin, who was diagnosed with alcohol-related liver fibrosis in her early 30s due to her drinking habits.
This is a form of severe scarring of the liver and if she had continued to drink it would have developed into cirrhosis.
Yet Hazel was not dependent on alcohol and did not drink every day. When she drank, she did it to have fun and because she enjoyed it. But her alcohol consumption habits certainly classified her, like so many others, as a binge drinker.
More women under 45 are dying from alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) than ever before, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures from 2001-2022.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in 2001 show from its compelling research that, while the problem is undoubtedly greater among men, more women under the age of 45 are dying from alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) than ever before . 22.
From my experience in a liver unit, and later in the alcohol unit, many patients with liver problems had convinced themselves that their drinking was fine because they had days off and therefore gave their bodies ‘rest’. It is an attitude that is unfortunately misleading.
There is now growing evidence that alcohol abuse is uniquely harmful to the body compared to drinking the same amount over time. In other words, a night out followed by six days of not drinking is actually worse than if you drank the same amount all week.
Binge eating is up to four times more damaging to the liver. According to the latest ONS data, liver disease is consistently in the top three causes of death for women aged 39-45 every year.
The toll of alcohol abuse doesn’t stop with liver damage either. There is also evidence that even one session can compromise immune system function and lead to acute pancreatitis and increase the risk of traumatic injuries and suicidal behavior.
For years I worked in emergency medicine and saw countless women who had been out, gotten blind drunk, and then suddenly felt suicidal or developed cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats that can be caused by alcohol).
When binge drinking becomes chronic, it increases the risk of developing cancer and coronary heart disease.
And while the problem of binge eating is growing among younger women, the highest rates are still highest among adults aged 55 to 64, according to research conducted by DrinkAware. Their data shows that about one in five people in this age group binge drink. Yet this age category is also one of the most vulnerable to the toxic effects of alcohol.
An interesting study was recently published showing that increased alcohol consumption increases the risk of dementia. It is now becoming clear that even moderate drinking can cause brain damage.
Figures show that two people are admitted to hospital every day due to alcohol-related dementia. As physicians, we have a duty to educate our patients about the chronic, debilitating conditions associated with excessive alcohol use.
We tend to overemphasize how drinking (and smoking) will shorten their lives and all too often we get the joking response, “Well, Doctor, something must be killing you!”
While alcohol abuse may not immediately kill you, some of its consequences are arguably much worse than death; stroke, disability, dementia, cancer – conditions you may have to live with for years.
It’s not so easy to dismiss Christmas abuse as “letting your hair down” once you know the cold, hard facts.
So, above all, have fun, but avoid binge eating – trust me, your body will thank you.
I’m A Celeb’s Oti Mabuse broke down as she recalled her daughter’s premature birth. As she said, it’s terrifying to go home and leave the baby in the care of others in the hospital. Birth is meant to be joyful, but having a premature baby can be traumatic… and impossible to prepare for.
Strictly Come Dancing judge Oti Mabuse on this year’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
Victoria’s woes with acne
Victoria Beckham has revealed how she struggled with acne during the Spice Girls’ heyday, explaining that the lack of confidence it caused stopped her smiling in photos.
People who haven’t experienced the misery of acne may not fully understand the psychological impact it can have. I also had acne in my twenties. Although I tried not to let it bother me too much, I remember talking to a friend who was a semi-professional boxer about how I felt about my acne and to my surprise he confided that his acne often suffered from acne. cancel plans and, shockingly, sometimes even feel suicidal.
He had suffered in silence for years because he thought no one would take it seriously. We both decided to make an appointment with a dermatologist, were treated and neither of us have had acne since. However, it has made me realize that pimples and acne can have a major impact.
Victoria Beckham has revealed how she struggled with acne during the Spice Girls’ heyday
About a quarter of the working-age population (those aged 16 to 64) are currently unemployed. That’s about 11 million people. The number of people claiming benefits is soaring and a large proportion are claiming for mental health reasons. While I believe we should help those who are struggling, the system is at a breaking point. A not insignificant part, which does not feel well in one way or another, could work, but simply does not think it should.
They seem to think that unless everything is perfect for them, with no stress or problems in their lives, they can just sit back and let others pay for them. They lack – and it is telling that it has almost become a dirty word – any form of resilience. The trouble is that the ‘pull up your socks’ approach to mental illness is now rightly frowned upon.
But now no one feels able to tell people that they may be a little anxious, or stressed, or depressed, but they need to find out ways to cope – and sitting at home watching TV and living off other people’s hard-earned money is not an option.
Dr. Max prescribes: Inside Out 2
This sequel to the 2015 animation about the inner workings of a little girl’s mind explores the same girl’s emotions now that she is an adolescent.
It perfectly captures the emotional turmoil of our times and provides some very useful insight into what is really going on with your teen. Everyone should watch it.
Inside Out 2 perfectly captures the emotional turmoil of our times and provides some very useful insight into what’s really going on with your teen