These people can support you when you say no to an extra drink or ask to hang out in a different environment where you’re less likely to want a drink in hand. This is sometimes called the “5+/4+ rule” (5-plus/4-plus rule) of binge drinking. For example, a 2018 study found that light drinkers (those consuming one to three drinks per week) had lower rates of cancer or death than those drinking less than one drink per week or none at all. And not so long ago there was general consensus that drinking in moderation also came with health advantages, including a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. For millions of people, it’s a regular part of the dining experience, social and sports events, celebrations, and milestones. And the alcoholic beverage industry is a major economic force, responsible for more than $250 billion in sales annually in the US.

Putting it in context: standard alcohol drink sizes

The CDC and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) define binge drinking as drinking a large amount of alcohol in a short period. For women, four or more alcoholic beverages in a short period are considered binge drinking. If you or someone in your life regularly drinks too much, uses alcohol to self-medicate, or engages in binge drinking, it’s time to seek the care and treatment you need to regain control over your life. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines binge drinking as a pattern of drinking alcohol, typically within a 2-hour period, which brings a person’s BAC to 0.08% or higher. A person’s BAC is the percentage of alcohol in their blood, and in the United States, a BAC of binge drinking effects 0.08% means the person is legally intoxicated.

How does binge drinking affect your health?

• Here’s what you should know about binge drinking and the problems it poses to our long-term health.
• While binge drinking may not always lead to dependence, it is a severe public issue with significant consequences.
• Women typically reach this level after about four drinks, and men after about five drinks in two hours.
• There is a greater chance of harm to your unborn baby the more you drink when you are pregnant.

A common assumption is that only young people are at risk, but that’s not true. “It’s occurring in patients over 65 at an astronomical rate, with one in six reporting binge drinking,” says Brett A. Sealove, M.D., chief of Cardiology, Jersey Shore University Medical Center. While not formally recommended, an occasional margarita, craft beer or glass of wine isn’t inherently considered problematic. Binge drinking, on the other hand, poses a number of risks to our health, both short- and long-term.

5. Selection and Data Collection Process

While binge drinking has long been recognized for its negative consequences, high-intensity drinking represents an even more extreme form of alcohol consumption, characterized by consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period. This pattern of drinking can lead to significant health issues, ranging from liver damage to mental health disorders, and is becoming increasingly prevalent, especially among young adults. Data suggest that even one episode of binge drinking can compromise function of the immune system and lead to acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) in individuals with underlying pancreatic damage. A binge drinker is someone who consumes a large amount of alcohol in a short period, typically reaching a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Despite the common association of binge drinking with young adults, particularly college students, it can affect individuals of all ages and demographics.

Data Availability Statement

Binge drinking is common among college students, but high-intensity drinking often involves even more extreme drinking patterns, which can be much more dangerous. A 2024 study concluded there to be no safe level of alcohol consumption when looking at its relationship with dementia. And indeed, this study shows correlation rather than causation, but the Substance abuse team believes that some causal factors might be teased out with the use of new biomedical datasets that are under development now, following young people as they age. Solutions Healthcare has helped over 2,000 people who have struggled with substance use and mental health.

There are several options available for people who currently binge drink. These may help them gain control of their drinking habits or even stop drinking altogether. Some options may include finding replacement activities or seeking professional help. The less alcohol you drink, the lower your risk for these health effects, including several types of cancer. Excessive alcohol use is a term used to describe four ways that people drink alcohol that can negatively impact health. It can be challenging (but also helpful) to talk openly about your concerns about binge drinking with trusted friends and family.

Addiction Resource is not a healthcare provider, nor does it claim to offer sound medical advice to anyone. Addiction Resource does not favor or support any specific recovery center, nor do we claim to ensure the quality, validity, or effectiveness of any particular treatment center. No one should assume the information provided on Addiction Resource as authoritative and should always defer to the advice and care provided by a medical doctor. During a drinking binge, it’s common for people to do things they wouldn’t normally do.

• This usually involves drinking five or more drinks for men or four or more for women on a single occasion lasting a few hours.
• According to 2021 data from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 21.5 percent of people in the U.S. ages 12 and older reported binge drinking during the past month.
• By clicking “Submit,” you certify that you have provided your legal name and phone number, agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy, and authorise Paid Advertiser to contact you.
• Binge drinking – having a lot of alcohol in a short space of time – can be extremely dangerous.1 Our bodies can only process roughly one unit of alcohol an hour – and less for some people.
• The NHS defines binge drinking as ‘drinking heavily over a short space of time’.2 Another way of thinking about it is ‘drinking to get drunk’.

People Also Ask

• The systemic effects of chronic binge alcohol consumption and the principal organ systems affected.
• Studies have shown that this behavior is more likely to lead to alcohol poisoning and other acute health risks.
• The 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) revealed that 29.0% of full-time college students aged 18–22 engaged in binge drinking at some point during the semester.
• A single night of binge drinking has a number of other effects, especially at higher amounts.
• This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information.

The 2015 study results showed Americans were consuming about seven drinks during each episode of binge drinking. And a more recent 2021 study showed that binge drinkers are more likely to also abuse other substances, such as the misuse of prescription drugs. Nine out of 10 binge drinkers aren’t dependent on alcohol, but doctors and scientists think they’re more likely to develop alcohol use disorder. Adults under 35 are more likely to do this than other age groups, and men are twice as likely as women. People who make more than $75,000 a year and are more educated are most likely to binge drink. More frequent binge drinking, though, is more likely to lead to long-term damage.

Alcohol Use in the United States: Age Groups and Demographic Characteristics

It’s important to know that once your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reaches or exceeds 0.08%, you begin to experience significant impairments. These include challenges with balance, slower reaction times, and difficulties in speech, vision, and hearing. Reasoning capabilities, memory, and impulse control also become compromised. In the majority of US states, having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher qualifies you as legally impaired. If you are found driving with this level of intoxication and are aged 21 or over, you can be arrested for impaired driving. This level of alcohol in the blood typically happens when men consume 5 or more drinks or when women consume 4 or more drinks within about 2 hours.

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It’s all too common that problem drinking disrupts bonds with a spouse, family members, friends, coworkers, or employers. The main indicator of a binge-drinking episode is having four to five drinks (or more) within two hours. It isn’t linked to a dependency on alcohol, and the CDC frames it as a preventable problem. Cutting back on the amount or frequency of drinking can reduce these risks. Binge drinking has many effects on your body, both over the short and long term. The cost of excessive alcohol use impacts everyone, whether they drink or not.