Binge Drinking
What Is Binge Drinking and Why Is It So Harmful?
The word “binge” is defined as:
A drunken revel
An unrestrained and often excessive indulgence
An act of excessive or compulsive consumption (as of food)
When it comes to alcohol, binge drinking is defined as:
Men: 5 or more drinks in one sitting (usually within 2 hours)
Women: 4 or more drinks in one sitting (usually within 2 hours)
Because of differences in body size and biology, women generally cannot process alcohol as efficiently as men.
Excessive or heavy drinking is defined as:
More than 15 drinks per week for men
More than 8 drinks per week for women
To get technical, here’s what “one drink” means:
12 ounces of beer (a pint equals a drink and a half)
5 ounces of wine (about 5 glasses in one bottle)
1.5 ounces of distilled spirits (a standard shot)
Why Is Binge Drinking So Harmful?
Binge drinking isn’t just “having fun.” The risks are real and well-documented:
Hangovers — feeling exhausted, nauseated, and irritable the next day.
Injuries — increased likelihood of falls, accidents, or bumping into things.
Risky behaviors — being drunk lowers inhibitions, leading to poor decisions such as driving under the influence, unprotected sex, or overspending.
Alcohol poisoning — potentially life-threatening, with permanent damage to the brain, liver, and other organs.
Conflict — increased chance of fights with friends, strangers, or loved ones.
Legal trouble — arrests, DUIs, or time in jail.
Habit formation — bingeing can become routine, leading to alcohol dependence and, in the long term, higher risk of early death.
The Scope of the Problem
According to the CDC, 1 in 6 U.S. adults binge drinks, consuming an average of about 8 drinks per binge session, 4 times per month.
In other words, binge drinking isn’t rare—it’s a widespread behavior with serious personal and public health consequences.
Final Thoughts
While occasional drinking may not be harmful for many adults, binging crosses a dangerous line. Knowing what counts as binge drinking, and recognizing its risks, is the first step toward healthier choices around alcohol.