A third of Australians aged 18 to 24 are classified as binge drinkers, a study has found.
The research, commissioned by the Alcohol Education & Rehabilitation Foundation (AER), also found one-in-three people in that age bracket who typically drank 10 or more drinks did not see themselves as binge drinkers.
The survey, of 500 men and women across Australia, also found that more young women (37%) than young men (30%) considered themselves to be binge drinkers.
Four in ten of those surveyed (41%) have drunk so much they have passed out on at least one occasion - nearly one in four (22%) have done so on five or more occasions, 4% have done so 20 or more times.
The study also revealed that binge drinkers were more likely to have a one night stand when they were drunk.
Fifty-nine per cent of those surveyed believed alcohol had a negative effect on their sex life; 67% believed it had negative effect on their love life and an overwhelming 96% said that alcohol effects their weight.
AER is working in partnership the music, fashion and media industry to take the message out to the target audience of 18 - 24 year olds. A major national campaign kicks off on Saturday, 14th April with an event called "Fresh Party." Fresh Party is a daytime event featuring high profile musical acts, fashion, celebrities and interactive activities.
AER Director, Cheryl Bart explains: "Our program is a long-term commitment to creating change by taking a fresh approach to an old issue... We are aiming for responsible and safe drinking. We acknowledge that drinking is a fun and accepted part of our Aussie culture. We're targeting 18-24 year olds because that's where we feel the greatest challenge and opportunity lies to begin shifting this cultural problem."
Reference
'New research - one third of 18-24 year olds consider themselves "binge drinkers" - others say excess drinking bad for love, sex & weight' AER press release 13th February 2007
Press Release