Binge drinking refers to consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short period of time, but actual definitions as to exactly what is considered binge drinking vary widely between different sources. According to the United States NIAAA National Advisory Counsel, drinking that brings a person’s blood alcohol concentration to .08 percent is binge drinking. This is typically four or more drinks for women or five or more drinks for men within a two hour period.

The term has also been used to refer to a period of time, such as a person drinking alcohol to the point of intoxication repeatedly over the course of at least two days. The first definition is more in line with what people in the United States typically think of now when they hear of binge drinking.

Around the world, binge drinking is typically associated with young adults. Teenagers and college-age young adults are especially likely to engage in risky behaviors and not fully recognize the potential consequences of consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time. Underage drinkers often don’t have ready access to alcohol, and when they do they tend to overdo it. College students are usually away from parental supervision for the first time, so they test limits at parties with alcohol. There is often peer pressure in large groups of people to be able to drink a large quantity of alcohol at a time.

Binge drinking is a dangerous practice with potentially devastating consequences. A person doesn’t have to drink every day in order to have an alcohol abuse problem. Consuming large amounts at a time with less frequency can be disrupting to one’s life and require addiction treatment. Individuals who have a problem with binge drinking or alcoholism should seek help from a rehab center, support group, or other type of treatment program. There are a variety of addiction treatment methods available to suit individuals’ unique needs.

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