WHEN IS A BINGE A BINGE?

It is an unfortunate fact that the terminology surrounding alcohol consumption in Australia is inconsistent and often misleading. Commonly, the generally accepted word Œbinge drinkingà used by the media, legislators and the general community refers to extreme alcohol consumption.
   When we delve a little deeper into what binge drinking actually is, however, the term immediately becomes ambiguous and meaningless in many contexts.
   It seems that there are so many different definitions of binge drinking that the use of the term has become unreliable and in many cases contradictory. It no longer, if ever accurately describes the risk levels associated with excessive alcohol consumption.
   The Federal GovernmentÃs own National Health and Medical Research Council Guidelines into Alcohol Consumption refer to the use of the term binge drinking as being misleading and not the preferred terminology when discussing alcohol consumption. The guidelines categorise drinking behaviour into low risk, risky and high risk. Low risk drinking is defined as not more than six standard drinks for males and 4 standard drinks for females per day (no more than three days per week), risky drinking as seven to ten standard drinks for males and five to six standard drinks for females on any day. High risk drinking is defined as in excess of eleven standard drinks for males and seven standard drinks for females.
   In August, DSICA commissioned an analysis of existing alcohol research by Professor Ian McAllister from the Australian National University. The analysis amongst other things summarised the differing definitions used by different organisations. It found the following commonly used definitions of binge drinking:

As this research shows it is impossible for members of the community to develop a good understanding of recommended alcohol consumption levels when community, industry and government leaders continue to invent their own terms and definitions.
  It is clear that the term binge drinking no longer carries any scientific currency and should not be used in the alcohol debate.
  As an industry, it is our responsibility to draw these inaccuracies to attention and ensure that in the future the correct, consistent and accurate terms are used.
  The concepts surrounding standard drinks, alcohol content of different types of alcohol beverages and the recommended drinking guidelines are difficult concepts to communicate to the general public.
  A detailed and practical understanding of these issues can only serve to increase awareness of the positive and negative effect alcohol may have on an individuals life and further enhance an individuals ability to make an informed choice as to the appropriate consumption of our products.
  The National Alcohol Strategy, which is the overarching policy document for alcohol regulation in Australia also specifies as a key priority the public communication of recommended drinking guidelines adding further weight to the need for industry to take a lead to achieve these ends. DSICA is highly supportive of working with all stakeholders to improve the dissemination and implementation of the Guidelines, consistent with the Government’s own strategy.

More information on the recommended drinking guidelines can be found at: www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications/pdf/ds9.pdf

On behalf of the staff and membership of DSICA, we wish everybody a safe and enjoyable Christmas and a prosperous new year.