Binge drinking or "express drinking"

The practice known as binge drinking – or “biture express” in French – involves drinking a large amount of alcohol in a short space of time. 

 

Originating in England, this scourge began in bars and pubs. The English would drink their glass quickly so they could order more as fast as possible.

This allowed them to drink as much as possible during happy hour and get drunk while spending as little money as possible.

 

Over time, this phenomenon spread beyond England and hit Southern and Western Europe hard.

 

A real social problem, it isn't limited to bars but is increasingly making its way into parties with friends.

 

In terms of quantity, binge drinking means four drinks for women and five drinks for men, all within a two-hour period.

 

Young people are the group most affected by binge drinking. It affects 14% of 18-24 year olds and 10% of 25-30 year olds. It's also thought to affect younger people from the age of 16, as well as older adults.

 

Binge drinking causes many problems, particularly for your own health and safety, but also for that of others. 

 

In the short term, it leads to severe intoxication which can lead to an alcohol-induced coma and induces risky behaviour (road accidents, sexual assault, physical injuries...)

 

But also in the long term, where it can increase the risk of dependence, have neurological consequences (impaired memory and cognitive function, etc.), affect the digestive system (cirrhosis, damage to the intestines) and much more.

 

To protect your health and your body, it's recommended to drink alcohol sensibly. 

 

Sources: 

 

Abrahao, K. P., et al. (2017). Alcohol and the Brain : Neuronal Molecular Targets, Synapses, and Circuits. Neuron, 96(6), 1223‑1238. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2017.10.032

Afp, S. E. A. A. (2015, 1 avril). FRANCE. La réalité du binge drinking en chiffres. https://www.sciencesetavenir.fr/sante/france-la-realite-du-binge-drinking-en-chiffres_18816

Le binge-drinking ou « biture express » c’est quoi ? - alcoolinfoservice - Alcool Info Service. https://jeunes.alcool-info-service.fr/alcool/binge-drinking

Grucza, R. A.,et al. (2018). Trends in Adult Alcohol Use and Binge Drinking in the Early 21st-Century United States : A Meta-Analysis of 6 National Survey Series. Alcoholism : Clinical and Experimental Research, 42(10), 1939‑1950. https://doi.org/10.1111/acer.13859

Han, B. H. (2018, 1 juin). Prevalence and correlates of binge drinking among older adults with multimorbidity. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29627405/

Martini, H. (2009). Le binge drinking ou ‘assommoir des jeunes. Après-demain, N°10,NF(2), 21. https://doi.org/10.3917/apdem.010.0021

Molina, P. E. (2018, 1 janvier). Binge Drinking’s Effects on the Body. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6104963/

Zahr, N. M., et al. (2011). Clinical and pathological features of alcohol-related brain damage. Nature Reviews Neurology, 7(5), 284‑294. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrneurol.2011.42