Share

Aussie women drinking shock

Two out of three Australian women binge drink, with some knocking back more than 11 alcoholic beverages in a single sitting, according to a survey.

The online survey of 2 000 women, by the Australian Women's Health magazine, found that two-thirds of respondents admitted to downing more than five standard units of alcohol while out with friends, the definition of bingeing.

Fourteen percent of respondents admitted to drinking between 16 to 20 drinks in a single night while about seven per cent said they had knocked back more than 20 drinks in a sitting.

The survey results were published in Australian media.

A drinking culture
Australia, producer of world-renowned beers and wines, has a strong drinking culture, where not buying a "shout" or a round of drinks when out with friends is socially unacceptable.

According to the Alcohol Education Rehabilitation Foundation alcohol misuse and abuse in Australia costs the economy more than $7.6 billion a year.

"We are seeing signs of increased numbers of women admitted to hospital after binge drinking and we are paying for the cost through the burden on the health system," said Australian Drug Foundation director Geoff Munro.

"It's another sign that Australians are very tolerant of unsafe drinking." – (Reuters Health)

Read more:
Binge drinking vs. alcoholism
Binge drinking hurts heart

December 2007

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE