The dangers of drinking games

Drinking games have become a staple of social events, especially among young adults and college students. These games, which often involve consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period, are viewed as a way to boost social interactions and foster camaraderie. With minimal equipment needed for games like beer pong, flip cup, and Kings, their accessibility and appeal are undeniable.

However, this article aims to delve into the risks associated with drinking games and offer strategies for making responsible choices. Despite their popularity, drinking games can trivialise alcohol consumption and lead to excessive drinking, posing serious health risks such as alcohol poisoning, impaired judgement, and long-term addiction. Additionally, the competitive nature of these games can escalate risky behaviours and accidents.

What are drinking games?

Drinking games are social activities that integrate alcohol into their rules and objectives, adding a playful element to gatherings. They are particularly popular at parties, providing a structured reason for drinking and creating a lively atmosphere. These games encourage participation and often reveal humorous or surprising aspects of the players’ personalities.

Popular drinking games:

1. Beer Pong: Teams of two throw ping pong balls into each other’s cups of beer. A successful shot requires the opposing team to drink. The game ends when one team eliminates all of the other team’s cups.
2. Flip Cup: Teams race to drink from a plastic cup and then flip it upside down by flicking its rim. The first team to flip all their cups wins.
3. Never Have I Ever: Players make statements starting with “Never have I ever…” followed by something they haven’t done. Those who have done it take a drink, often leading to surprising revelations.
4. Quarters: Players bounce a coin off a table into a cup. Success allows the player to choose someone to drink. This game is simple and can be played almost anywhere.
5. Kings (or Ring of Fire): Using a deck of cards spread around a central drink, players draw cards with specific rules, such as making someone drink or starting a waterfall (everyone drinks in sequence). The game continues until all cards are drawn.

While these games can be fun, it’s crucial to play responsibly and respect everyone’s limits to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Influence of peer pressure

Peer pressure and social norms significantly influence participation in drinking games, especially among adolescents and young adults. The desire to fit in and appear “cool” often drives individuals to engage in risky behaviours like excessive alcohol consumption. Social norms can normalise binge drinking, making it seem acceptable and even expected in certain social circles.

Health risks

Immediate health risks of binge drinking during these games include:

• Alcohol poisoning
• Accidents
• Injuries

Binge drinking can lead to dangerously high blood alcohol levels, affecting vital body functions like breathing and heart rate, potentially resulting in death. The impaired judgement and coordination from intoxication also increase the likelihood of accidents, such as falls, drownings, and motor vehicle crashes. Additionally, risky behaviours like unprotected sex and violence are more common under the influence of excessive alcohol.

Long-term health risks obviously refer to continuation of alcohol use to the point where heavy usage becomes a full-blown addiction. Risks from that point onwards include:

• Fatty liver
• Hepatitis
• Cirrhosis, which may progress to liver cancer
• High blood pressure
• Cardiomyopathy
• An increased risk of stroke
• Various cancers, including those of the mouth, throat, oesophagus, liver, and breast.

A study from the University of Indiana found that 81% of college students have participated in drinking games, with 91% among self-identified drinkers.

Impact on body and mind

Rapid alcohol consumption can have severe impacts on both the body and the mind, affecting numerous systems and functions.

Physical Impact:

Alcohol quickly enters the bloodstream, affecting the central nervous system and impairing motor functions and coordination. Excessive drinking can lead to alcohol poisoning, posing serious risks such as coma or death. The immune system is also weakened, making the body more susceptible to infections.

Mental Impact:

Alcohol consumption disrupts brain communication pathways, impairing judgement, memory, and clear thinking. It can also affect mood and behaviour, increasing aggression and risk-taking. Chronic alcohol use is linked to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and a higher risk of alcohol dependence. Immediate effects include impaired decision-making and memory blackouts, while long-term effects can lead to persistent cognitive impairments and conditions like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.

Strategies for responsible choices

There are numerous practical options individuals faced with social alcohol consumption can use to manage their drinking limits:

1. Self-awareness: Understanding your values and beliefs is the foundation for making independent choices. Reflect on what is important to you and what you stand for to strengthen your sense of self.
2. Practice assertiveness and saying no: Communicate your boundaries clearly and confidently using “I” statements to express your thoughts and feelings. This helps you stay firm in your decisions without feeling pressured to conform.
3. Surround yourself with positive influences: Choose friends who respect your values and support your decisions. Positive peer groups can provide encouragement and reduce the impact of negative social pressure.
4. Critical thinking: Analyse the potential consequences of succumbing to peer pressure versus staying true to yourself. Weigh the benefits and risks involved to make informed decisions.

Setting boundaries

Here we will cover how to set limits and the importance of having an exit strategy:

1. Set clear boundaries: Before attending social events, decide on your limits regarding alcohol consumption. Communicate these boundaries to your friends to ensure they respect your choices.
2. Have an exit strategy: Plan how you will leave a situation if you feel uncomfortable. This might include making an excuse, calling a trusted friend for support, or simply walking away from the pressure.
3. Offer alternatives: Suggest other activities or drinks that align with your comfort level. For example, propose non-alcoholic beverages or games that don’t involve drinking.
4. Practice refusal skills: Prepare and rehearse polite but firm ways to decline participation in drinking games. For instance, you can say, “No, thanks. I’m not comfortable with that,” or “I have other commitments tonight”.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol consumption, it may be time to reach out for professional help by calling Oasis Runcorn today. Remember, enjoying social gatherings doesn’t have to come at the cost of your health and well-being.