Binge drinking

Binge Drinking

Binge drinking is a pattern of alcohol consumption that brings the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level to 0.08% or more. This pattern of drinking is typically observed in adults over the age of 21 and is often associated with a range of negative health and social consequences.

Definition

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines binge drinking as a pattern of drinking alcohol that brings the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08% or above. For a typical adult, this pattern corresponds to consuming five or more drinks (male), or four or more drinks (female), in about two hours.

Health Risks

Binge drinking poses significant health risks, including the development of alcohol use disorder, liver disease, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and cancer. It can also lead to poor decision making, risky behavior, and accidents or injuries.

Social and Economic Impact

The social and economic impacts of binge drinking are substantial. These include lost productivity, healthcare costs, crime, and other social problems. Binge drinking can also lead to domestic violence, child neglect and abuse, and absenteeism in the workplace.

Prevention and Treatment

Prevention and treatment of binge drinking involve a combination of public health interventions, policy changes, and individual counseling. These may include alcohol education programs, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication.

See Also

• Alcohol use disorder
• Alcoholism
• Alcohol abuse
• Alcohol intoxication
• Alcohol and health