Why all the fuss about binge drinking?

[MikeS]

Personally I don't think it's a big problem. People have been drinking since the beginning of time.

[Sophie]

The problem is Mike that people no longer know how to control themselves. It is considered funny to be drunk, funny even to drink so much that you are sick. I think it is a huge worry that in our society getting drunk is second nature and it is perceived that you you need to get drunk to have a good time.
Why can't people just have a few beers and then stop? Drinking isn't the problem, it's the binge nature of it that is a real concern to me.

[Emily-o]

To be honest - drinking in moderation is fun. it is social and enjoyable, loosens you up. No one can deny that ;)

The problem is when people go too far. It costs the NHS (and inevitably tax payers) millions of pounds every year. It isn't just about pumping stomachs and alcohol poisening but about accidents that occur because of drunkeness - getting run over because you cannot judge distances for example. One very common one is to get into a fight when you normally wouldn't. A Friday and Saturday night on the A&E ward is full of people who have had bottles smashed over their heads from people who have drunken too much etc.

I watched a program called "the hospital" on channel 4 several months ago. Doctors and nurses openly talked about the problems binge drinking causes. If you can find it on youtube then I recommend you watch it :D