Binge Drinking

When an individual drinks a lot of alcohol within a short period of time, they are exhibiting binge drinking behaviors. The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines binge drinking as an episode of "alcohol consumption which raises a person's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08 grams percent or above."

Who is at Risk of Binge Drinking?

Binge drinking is a problem that anyone can suffer from any time they aren't paying attention to their consumption of alcohol. The most common reasons people exhibit this type of drinking behavior include:

• They want to get drunk
• Other people are doing it (especially true for teens and college students)
• To relieve stress

Binge drinking is a common occurrence among teens and college students as they are often subjected to peer pressure. For many college students, their new found freedom is often tested by episodes of drinking that can place them at a very high risk of experiencing binge drinking-related incidents.

What is the Difference Between Normal Drinking and Binge Drinking?

Drinking one or two alcoholic beverages during a social event or with dinner is rarely an indication of a problem. Binge drinking behavior is determined when:

• A man consumes four or more drinks within two hours
• A woman consumes three or more drinks within two hours

The Warning Signs of Binge Drinking

Most people who suffer from episodes of binge drinking are not considered alcohol dependent, but with continued use, the abuse will evolve into an addiction. By recognizing the signs that you or someone you love is exhibiting binge drinking behaviors, you can get help before the addiction develops. Early warning signs can include:

• Blackouts
• A hangover with a pounding migraine
• Fatigue or general uselessness for 24 hours after drinking
• Drinking leftover alcoholic beverages from the night before
• Coming home drunk after work

Binge Drinking Statistics

Binge drinking is a real problem in the United States. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention cites these recent binge drinking statistics:

• Approximately 92% of U.S. adults who drink excessively report binge drinking in the past 30 days.1
• Although college students commonly binge drink, 70% of binge drinking episodes involve adults over age 25 years.2
• The prevalence of binge drinking among men is 2 times the prevalence among women.3
• Binge drinkers are 14 times more likely to report alcohol-impaired driving than non-binge drinkers.2
• About 90% of the alcohol consumed by youth under the age of 21 years in the United States is in the form of binge drinking.5
• About 75% of the alcohol consumed by adults in the United States is in the form of binge drinking.4
• The proportion of current drinkers that binge is highest in the 18- to 20-year-old group (51%).2

The Dangers of Binge Drinking 

Excessive consumption of alcohol, even just once, can cause a variety of medical and behavioral problems. Alcohol affects different people in different ways. Children, adolescents and the elderly are at highest risk for problems because their bodies will reach higher blood alcohol levels with smaller amounts of consumption. Some of the medical complications of binge drinking include:

• Alcohol poisoning
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Blood sugar problems
• Stroke
• Mental health disorders
• Fertility problems
• Memory loss
• Pancreatitis
• Gastritis
• Coma

Medical problems are not the only dangers of binge drinking. In fact, the behavioral problems associated with binge drinking are just as serious. Alcohol reduces inhibitions and impairs judgment, and as a result many people make poor choices due to binge drinking.

• Aggressive and violent behavior
• Unsafe sex
• Driving drunk

These behaviors cannot only lead to serious medical complications, but may also have legal consequences.

Get Help for Binge Drinking Today

Don't let alcohol ruin your future. If you believe you have a drinking problem, call Stepping Stone Center for Recovery's 24-hour, toll-free helpline at 1-800-237-3150. All calls are confidential and one of our counselors can assess your situation and guide you in the right direction. Start getting healthy today - call now!