Bingeing and Increased Taxes

An increase in taxes on alcohol of up to 70 percent aims to curb the disturbing increase in binge drinking among teens and young adult males and females in past years.

Especially problematic has been the targeted marketing of alcohol to younger aged people. A range of brightly coloured bottled cordials laced with alcohol such as vodka is extremely popular. The sweetness of the cordials overcomes the need to develop what my generation would describe as "an acquired taste" for alcohol.

The hotel industry predictably rejected the tax measure suggesting education was the key. Education is an ongoing process which informs. Increased prices due to the tax increase may help in a powerful way to reduce purchases of the youth targeted bottles.

People generally understand alcohol addiction or dependence (alcoholism) is widely understood as an overwhelming compulsion to drink which threatens health, relationships, employability, accommodation stability, mental health, physical safety through accidents and violence. Bingeing, on the other hand, is often seen as a simple lack of self-control. Increasing numbers of people attending my practice rightly report their bingeing as far more powerful than an occasional or even frequent "over-indulgence" in alcohol.

Bingeing is more an episodic form of alcoholism. Days, weeks, sometimes months can pass without a drink or craving. But once a drink is taken, they say "I can't stop", "I lose all control", "I can't get enough", "I don't think about the consequences".

In both cases - dependence ("alcoholism") and binge-drinking - the consumption is compulsive ; done in spite of what the person truly wants and to the detriment of what the person holds as dear to them."

What often delays a binge-drinkers recognising they have a problem is the wide promotion and social acceptance of alcohol, the failure to label it as a mind-altering drug of dependence, and it periodic nature ("I can go for weeks without a drink", "It's not like I'm an alcoholic").

Some people might believe that bingeing is preferable to daily intoxication. The down side for the body is that binging involves a sudden heavy attack on body and organ tissue which has developed no tolerance. This includes all major organs including the brain. Reduced mental function such as memory loss and heart and liver failure are just a few of the medical outcomes connected with lengthy consumption.

If we "need" a drink, we are in danger of graduating to compulsive drinking. Alcohol is least problematic when enjoyed (not needed) as an occasional, social activity in small amounts interspersed with regular bursts of alcohol free days: something we can take or leave at any time.

If you find alcohol is making the decisions for you, you are by no means alone: seek help and seek it early.

Regards, John Hunter

"Talking makes a great start"

John Hunter BSW (Distinction), MAASW (Accredited), MACA (Clinical)
Medicare Provider of Couselling, Melbourne CBD and Burwood East
Web: http://www.johnhunter.net.au/
Email: john@johnhunter.net.au
Telephone mobile: 0405 107 476, landline (03) 9539 2200.