BINGE DRINKING
UNDERSTANDING BINGE DRINKING
WHAT IS BINGE DRINKING?
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines binge drinking as a pattern of drinking alcohol that brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08% or higher. For a typical adult, this pattern corresponds to consuming five or more drinks (male), or four or more drinks (female), in about two hours.
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Research shows that fewer drinks in the same time frame result in the same BAC in youth: only three drinks for girls and three to five drinks for boys, depending on their age and size.2 In the United States, a "standard drink" is defined as any beverage containing 0.6 fl oz or 14 grams of pure alcohol.
WHY BINGE DRINKING IS DANGEROUS
1. Alcohol Poisoning
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Drinking large amounts quickly can overwhelm the body, leading to:
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Vomiting
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Seizures
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Slow or irregular breathing
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Unconsciousness
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Death
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2. Risky Behavior
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Impairs judgment and self-control, increasing the likelihood of:
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Drunk driving
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Fights or violence
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Unprotected sex and STDs
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Injury or death from accidents or falls
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3. Short-Term Health Effects
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Blackouts or memory loss
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Dehydration
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Hangovers with nausea, headaches, and fatigue
4. Long-Term Damage (with repeated episodes)
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Increased risk of:
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Liver disease
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Heart problems
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High blood pressure
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Addiction
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Mental health disorders (depression, anxiety)
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5. Impact on Young People
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In teens and young adults, binge drinking can harm brain development, academic performance, and increase risk of alcohol dependence later in life.
