Why are drinking games dangerous?

Although they are something that many people experience when growing up, drinking games are far from harmless fun. Taking part could mean you end up drinking a lot more than you intend, more quickly, increasing your risk of accidents and alcohol poisoning – which can be fatal.^1,2,3

Who plays drinking games, when and why?

Any kind of drinking game – whether it’s based on gambling, chance, a ‘forfeit’ for breaking rules, or a competition – can mean those taking part drink more than they want, faster than they intend.⁴ If you take part in one, you’re giving up control over how much alcohol you drink – and the risks increase the more you drink.⁵

Drinking games can be more common among young adults, with peer pressure to fit in often given as a reason for taking part.⁶

Drinkaware research found that 60% of 18 to 34 year olds believe peer pressure to drink is common among them, with this age group also the most likely to say they have drunk more than they expected to ‘keep up’ with others (47% said they had done this).⁷ But, as we’re social creatures, peer pressure can affect anyone of any age.

And if drinking games are played as part of ‘pre-loading’ (drinking before going out) they are associated with higher levels of alcohol consumption, and greater risk.^8,9

Risks of drinking games

Drinking alcohol very quickly – whether as part of a drinking game or not - can lead to acute alcohol poisoning, which can be extremely dangerous.¹⁰

There is no minimum amount of alcohol that can cause alcohol poisoning. It depends on a person’s age, sex, size, weight, how fast they have been drinking, how much they have eaten, their general health and whether they have taken medication or drugs.¹¹

Tragically, accidental alcohol poisoning was the cause of 558 deaths in the UK during 2023.¹²

If you recognise the symptoms of alcohol poisoning – which include confusion, vomiting or seizures – call 999 immediately. You could save someone’s life.

Drinking alcohol impairs your judgement, balance and coordination making it more likely you will be involved in an accident, with the risk increasing the more you drink.^13,14

And the way that alcohol suppresses activity in parts of the brain associated with inhibition,¹⁵ means you’re more likely to make a decision you regret whether this means walking home alone, having unprotected sex, or not being able to look out for friends. Drinking games can present real dangers.

Binge drinking increases the likelihood of both becoming aggressive or angry and also being a victim of violence, including sexual violence and domestic abuse.^16,17

Drinking games and the UK low risk drinking guidelines

The UK Chief Medical Officers’ (CMOs’) low risk drinking guidelines recommend you should limit the total amount of alcohol you drink on any single occasion. You can also keep your short-term risks low by drinking more slowly, drinking with food, alternating any alcoholic drinks with water and planning ahead to avoid problems.²⁰

Getting involved in drinking games can seriously speed up the rate you drink so you’re more likely to exceed the guidelines.²¹

The long-term risks of alcohol-related health problems also mean the guidelines recommend that it’s safest for both men and women to drink no more than 14 units a week, spread over three or more days, with several drink-free days and no bingeing.²²

Sticking to the low risk drinking guidelines and avoiding drinking games can help keep your risk low from accidents and injuries, physical or sexual abuse, alcohol poisoning and a range of long-term health conditions – including seven types of cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, liver disease, and mental health problems.²³

To work out the number of alcohol units and calories you consume, use our Unit and Calorie Calculator below.