Derryn Hinch says he will not drink again because decades of alcohol abuse nearly cost him his life.

The 64-year-old 3AW drive host nearly died from blood poisoning in 2006 and last year revealed he also had advanced cirrhosis brought on by a lifetime of boozing.

Reflecting on his past as a "professional drunk", Hinch - who underwent surgery last year to remove a liver tumour - said binge drinking was one of society's worst problems. [link=http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=624453]Nine MSN has more[/link]