5 reasons you might be binge drinking

ReachOut Content Team
Published 06 September 2023

It’s no secret that a big night can quickly turn into a bad night if you end up overdoing it and drinking too much. But while we all know how binge drinking leaves you feeling, figuring out the why will be more useful in the long run.

Watch the video below to find out why you might be binge drinking and how you can try to build a healthier relationship with alcohol.

Read the transcript.

Binge drinking: Five reasons why

1. You wanted to have heaps of fun

More drinks equals more fun, right? Not so much. While drinking culture tells us that the more booze we polish off the better our night will be, the opposite is actually true. Ask yourself how much fun you’re having the next day, when you’re hungover and paying the price.

2. You felt anxious, lonely and wanted a confidence boost

Feeling socially anxious is one of the most popular reasons we set a cracking pace. After a couple of drinks to ‘take the edge off’, you may feel more confident and relaxed. However, it’s important to remember that this is a short term fix for a larger issue and once the booze wears off, you’ll end back where you started. If you suspect you’re drinking to mask these types of issues, you can always seek help.

3. You wanted to fit in

No one wants to be the odd one out and sometimes it seems easier to follow the crowd rather than draw attention to yourself. But if being accepted means a wicked hangover and a load of regrets, it’s worth thinking about who you’re putting time into.

4. Peer pressure

You turn down a drink and shouts of ‘SOBER SALLY!’ ring out across the party. Peer pressure can be a powerful tool when it comes to binge drinking. If your friends are putting the pressure on, turn the tables and calmly ask them why they want you to drink more than you need to. They may just want you to ‘have fun’, but by calling out their behaviour you can draw attention to the impact it has.

5. You didn’t realise you were binge drinking

The line between what is okay drinking and what isn't can be a bit slippery. You might start off slowly and then all of a sudden your night can turn from fun to risky pretty fast. Practicing pacing yourself by going one-for-one with water. Have a glass of water in between every alcoholic drink, this will also slow your consumption as well as sobering you up.

What can I do now?

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              We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

              We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

              ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

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