It is no surprise that binge-drinking can lead to alcohol addiction but now there is a study that proves binge drinking may reduce the ability to control alcohol intake.

Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) conducted the experiment with rats but could have implications for better treatment of alcoholism in human beings. It may also help scientists understand addictive behaviour in humans.

Scientists believe that this early adaptation of the brain to intermittent alcohol use facilitates the move from social drinker to alcohol addict.

Basically alcohol dependence causes changes in the brains such as overactivity of stress-related circuits and a weakening of the prefrontal executive control circuits that normally act as a brake on emotional reactions and impulsive behaviour.

The research confirmed that the rats with intermittent access to alcohol drank drastically more alcohol than those with continuous access after only six weeks.

Binge drinking in the rats showed lowered memory which is an element of executive control and showed withdrawal symptoms which can be likened to cravings in humans.

What can be deduced by this study is that binge drinking is more dangerous to human health than moderate regularly drinking.