What to know about binge drinking
Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — Written by Alicia Sparks
May 16, 2021
Binge drinking is when a person consumes enough alcoholic beverages during a 2-hour period to bring their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08% or higher. Typically, this means four drinks for women and five drinks for men.
Binge drinking can lead to several short-term and long-term effects. Someone who binge drinks may experience impaired judgment, nausea, vomiting, and even unconsciousness. Over time, a binge drinker is at a higher risk for severe health problems such as liver disease, pancreatitis, and certain types of cancers.
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.
This article explains some of the health risks associated with binge drinking, tips to reduce those risks, and ways people can get help to control their drinking.
Binge drinking definition
Binge drinking is a type of excessive drinking, where people consume a large quantity of alcohol in a short period of time.
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 0.08% means the person is legally intoxicated.
Bodies absorb alcohol at different rates. How quickly a person’s body absorbs alcohol may depend on their sex, age, and body size. But it typically takes four or moreTrusted Source standard drinks for women and five or more standard drinks for men to reach a BAC of 0.08% during a 2-hour binge drinking period.
For reference, a standard drink in the U.S. is equal to 0.6 ounces (oz) of pure alcoholTrusted Source. Common beverages that contain this amount of pure alcohol include:
- 12 oz of beer (5% alcohol content)
- 8 oz of malt liquor (7% alcohol content)
- 5 oz of wine (12% alcohol content)
- 5 oz or a “shot” of 80-proof liquor (40% alcohol content)
While binge drinking seems a common trend among young adults aged 18–34Trusted Source, it is also a growing trend among older adults.
For example, a 2018 meta-analysis found a significant increase in alcohol use and binge drinking over the past 10–15 years, but not among all demographics. It was middle-aged and older adultsTrusted Source who showed the most substantial increase in binge drinking. That increase may be contributing to the increasing rates of alcohol-related illnesses and death.
Keep in mind that binge drinking is not the same as alcohol use disorder (AUD). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 90%Trusted Source of people who drink excessively do not meet the criteria for AUD. But that does not mean binge drinking is a healthy habit to keep up or that it will not lead to AUD over time.
Short-term effects and health risks of binge drinking
Some short-term health effects and risks of binge drinking can includeTrusted Source:
- headache
- nausea and vomiting
- upset stomach and diarrhea
- alcohol poisoning
- loss of coordination and perception
- impaired judgment, which may increase the chance of risky behaviors
- injuries
- violence
Long-term effects and health risks of binge drinking
Over time, regular binge drinking can increase the risk of certain chronic diseases or other serious long-term problems, including:
- weakened immune system
- liver diseasesincluding cirrhosis and hepatitis
- cardiovascular problemsincluding high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke
- digestive problems
- certain cancers including mouth, throat, esophagus, breast, liver, and colon
- mental health problems, including depressionand anxiety
- social problems, such as unemployment and family issues
Additionally, a 2017 study suggests that binge drinking may be an early risk factor of developing AUD. For example, a 2018 cross-sectional study found a strong relationshipTrusted Source between adolescents who binge drink and developing AUD.
How and where to get help
People who want to get help for binge drinking may consider doing the following:
- Talking with their doctor about how much they drink and request help from a therapist.
- Asking friends and family for support when they are in a situation likely to lead to binge drinking.
- Finding activities to replace binge drinking.
- Setting limits on when, where, and how much alcohol they will drink during a given time or event.
- Consider quitting drinking alcohol altogether. This may involve joining support groups or programs.
Additionally, anyone who feels they are not able to gain control of their drinking might consider the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline.
The service is free and available 24 hours a day year-round. The National Helpline does not provide counseling, but it does connect callers with local resources such as counseling services, support groups, and treatment facilities.