WHILE hospital visiting I came across a young binge drinker, a sad case if ever there was one.

The 21-years-old was a great advert for what can happen to today’s heavy drinking youngsters who overindulge in the pop and think they will get away scot free.

The young lady spoke openly of her longing for alcohol but claimed she was not an alcoholic just a dangerous binge drinker.

Challenged both physically and mentally, she told me she couldn’t believe her parents still loved her, because she had smashed up goods in their home after going on the lash.

She said she didn’t want anything more to do with boys because they had all taken advantage of her - neither did she want to see young friends any more because they all drink.

She was quite happy to reveal her feelings to a small circle of golden oldie long stay patients, those with very few visitors, who got together round one bed for company.

At such a young age she had been told that she already had liver damage and if she carried on drinking it would kill her.

She compensated for the forced abstinence in hospital by non-stop eating.

I really felt for the poor lass. What a state to be in at such a young age - and with what should be a full and happy life ahead.

The perils of binge drinking have hit home all too soon.

Other young topers be warned.