ABSTRACTThere is currently little research concerning occupations that may be detrimental rather than beneficial to health and well-being. This study used interpretative phenomenological analysis (Smith & Osborn, 2003) to explore one young man's experience of binge drinking; an occupation typically associated with varying health risks. Viewing his subjective account of binge drinking through the lens of Wilcock's (1993) theory of the human need for occupation, it could be regarded as an occupation to maintain aspects of health and well-being and therefore have some constructive elements. This study lends qualified support to Wilcock's hypothesis, suggesting that the relationship between occupation, health and well-being is far more complex than much of the earlier occupational science research proposed.