Ireland and its drink problem: the immediate adverse effects of binge drinking in Ireland.

This paper briefly outlines recent trends in alcohol consumption in Ireland. The pattern of binge drinking, defined as 6 drinks in a row for men or 5 drinks in a row for women, is examined. The paper looks at results of a recent survey on drinking habits and the consequences of alcohol abuse in terms o increased hospital emergency admissions, road traffic accident, suicides and violence. The author concludes that many social, as well as health, problems are due to the adverse effect of binge drinking.