A recovery coach has issued a warning to those who admit to binge-drinking once a week.
While most Brits will enjoy a drink or two at the weekend, not many would refer to themselves as 'binge-drinkers'.
This is when a typical adult consumes five or more drinks (male), or four or more drinks (female), in about 2 hours, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).
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Problem with binge-drinking
Alcohol Change UK states that 27 percent of drinkers in Great Britain binge drink on their heaviest drinking days (over 8 units for men and over 6 units for women).
However, an addiction can develop if you're not careful.
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The NHS says that alcohol misuse is when you drink in a way that's harmful, or when you're dependent on alcohol.
There is, of course, no shame in admitting that you're finding it hard to stop, or that you're a borderline alcoholic.
But in 2021 alone, 49 percent of UK adults drank alcohol on at least one day per week, which isn't bad, unless you do over-consume.
What the experts are saying
Recovery coach and former alcoholic David Golding told YouTuber Ben Pavliha on his podcast last year: "So binge drinking brings more toxins into your blood, and you get something called leaky gut. And leaky gut affects all sorts of other things.
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"So now it's not just whether you drink a lot or not, it's how you go about drinking it. So you people might say, 'Well, I only go out one night a week, but I drink a week's worth in one night'.
"I'm sorry to say that's probably worse for you.
"So all these management methods to manage my alcohol consumption, if you're somebody who's already got to the stage where you actively think about the management control of your alcohol consumption.
"It's a sign you're on the slippery slope, potentially."
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How to cut down on drinking
According to Drinkaware UK, there are some ways you can limit your drinking during the week while also not overdoing at the weekend.
"If you’re out with friends, set yourself a time to go home and limit the amount you drink on any one occasion by setting yourself a drink and/or spending limit," they explained.
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"Wait until you really feel like a drink, rather than just ordering one for the sake of it. Avoid rounds and drink more slowly to make it last.
"Make sure you eat a good meal and alternate your drinks with water or soft drinks. Plan ahead to avoid problems and get home safely and stick with people you trust.
"If you’re comfortable doing so, be open and honest with others about the fact you’re trying to cut down on your drinking. Be confident and positive in your reasoning, and try to any spot signs of peer pressure so you feel confident sticking with your plan."
Please drink responsibly. If you want to discuss any issues relating to alcohol in confidence, contact Drinkline on 0300 123 1110, 9am–8pm weekdays and 11am–4pm weekends for advice and support.
Topics: Food And Drink, Health
Anish Vij