SecretLeeds - History, culture and architecture in Leeds

What is binge drinking?For the NHS, binge drinking is defined as drinking over double the amount of recommended daily units in one session. For men this is over eight units , and for women, over six. However, because individuals are all different, the rate at which they reach intoxication varies. Binge drinking is a major factor in accidents, violence and anti-social behaviour. That's what the NHS say.Never really thought about it before,my Mum & Dad both now Deceased God Bless them were Binge Drinkers 60 years ago,they obviously didn't realise it at the time.At my age 57 I am also a binge drinker as is/was 90% of the population some 40 50 or 60 years ago due to the fact that the majority of people who drank socially would only drink at weekends because they had JOBS.Meaning they had to be up for work at ungodly hours in order to catch public transport or walk to work.(Not many cars about then)Money didn't stretch too far and there were other priorities before drink,everyone used to look forward to the W/End.By the way l don't remember my Mum & Dad being Violent or Anti-Social or Me for that matter, but they sure liked a good bevvy.Any other S/L binge drinkers care to comment.    

Well drink was certainly a big problem in the within the working classes for a long time.Hence the rise of Temperance and the Sally Army.By the definitition of the NHS then yes,when i go out,i must be a binge drinker.I suppose an indication that someone is an addict of a particular "pecadillo" is the denial of a problem related to that pecadillo.Well i must really have a problem,because the NHS says i am,but i dont act like one.    

I've never even tasted binge - and I don't intend to start now.

drapesy wrote: I've never even tasted binge - and I don't intend to start now. Funny Steve,i thought your post would be one word:-Yes

In the late 70s, according to the NHS guidelines, I was a binge drinker par excellence. Eight pints every other night (Tetley Mild, mind) and I was never violent, antisocial or involved in any accidents (that I can remember!) It all seemed quite normal.

i see beer as cheaper than therapy, stress counselling or divorce. The occasional imbibing of the former reduces the risk of the latters greatly.

It's another example of the nanny state gone mad.Now I'm not saying that 18 year olds drinking a whole bottle of cheap vodka before heading into town is a good idea, but the whole issue needs putting into perspective.Back in the day (up to the mid 90's), before I was wed, I would certainly have been classed as a binge drinker as we were in the pub probably 5 nights a week, funds permitting. Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights would see a gallon or so partaken of, but no-one preached to us about it, everyone did it and I wasn't arrested once.I drank Miller lager usually, or similar - the likes of Stella or Kronenbourg were expensive stuff and although available weren't anywhere near as popular.Last weeked though I went to a very civilised and enjoyable retirement party and over the course of the evening drank 5 pints of Theakstons. Apparently that makes me a binge drinker all over again....

raveydavey wrote: It's another example of the nanny state gone mad.Now I'm not saying that 18 year olds drinking a whole bottle of cheap vodka before heading into town is a good idea, but the whole issue needs putting into perspective.Back in the day (up to the mid 90's), before I was wed, I would certainly have been classed as a binge drinker as we were in the pub probably 5 nights a week, funds permitting. Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights would see a gallon or so partaken of, but no-one preached to us about it, everyone did it and I wasn't arrested once.I drank Miller lager usually, or similar - the likes of Stella or Kronenbourg were expensive stuff and although available weren't anywhere near as popular.Last weeked though I went to a very civilised and enjoyable retirement party and over the course of the evening drank 5 pints of Theakstons. Apparently that makes me a binge drinker all over again.... Got to admit when i do go out its more than 5 pints,though its not my fault.Its the fault of my mates Mick and Steve.

I suppose by that definition I'm a binge drinker. I don't drink Sunday to Thursday. I have three pints on Fridays, and share a bottle of red and a couple of pints on Saturday. My uncle who was a collier used to get bladdered on Friday night, Saturday lunch, Saturday night and Sunday lunch and then that was it until the following Friday. So I suppose he was one too. What with the binge drinking, working down the pit and smoking Park Drives, it's amazing he lived as long as he did, 81 when he died.