Binge Drinking: Current Thinking

The definition of binge drinking has shifted in recent years. The previous understanding of binge drinking was high consumption of alcohol over at least a 2-day period. Today, the length of time is not the primary factor, it is the likelihood of high-risk and harm to self or others involved during or after the binge.

The length and amount of the consumption is still considered, but since alcohol tolerance is different in each individual, the focus on related impairment and harm is a smarter way to define "binge drinking". Of course, the beverage industry argues that the threshold for binge consumption should be much higher than medical professionals suggest.

Binge drinking is usually associated with late adolescents or college students. In fact, millions of adult alcoholics binge drink to a point that it is harmful and often engage in high-risk behaviors (e.g. driving while intoxicated, fights, inappropriate and unsafe sexual encounters, gambling, etc.).

The attraction to binge drinking for the alcoholic is similar to the opiate addict who takes several vicodin, more than usual, to achieve a more potent high. However, just like taking more drugs, drinking intense amounts of alcohol will put you in a state where you are more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors and certainly harming your body and maybe harming the loved ones around you as well.

If you feel you have a binge drinking problem, please see an addiction specialist today! You can call our HelpLine at (866) 478-9898 to speak with a counselor.

Recuperatio Primoris!