Binge drinking

Binge drinking refers to excessive drinking within a short period of time. In other words, if the drinker’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reaches or exceeds 0.08 grams per 100 grams of blood, it is considered “binge.” Binge drinking usually occurs when a man consumes five or more drinks, or a woman consumes four or more drinks within two hours.

Binge drinking is quite prevalent among college students. Most college students who binge drink do it out of pure curiosity, peer pressure, or wanting to fit in. However, binge drinking can lead to severe health consequences and reckless and dangerous behavior.

While some binge drink solely to have fun, others do it as a form of self-medication to alleviate underlying issues. Binge drinking can be especially dangerous for college students battling loneliness and depression. Excessive drinking will only further aggravate these symptoms and result in a continuous pattern of alcohol abuse.

Some of the other reasons for college students to indulge in alcohol are:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Insecurity
• Desire to fit in
• Relationship issues
• Trauma

The majority of the alcohol consumed by young adults under the age of 21 in the US is consumed through binge drinking. Binge drinking usually begins in late adolescence or early adulthood.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) has published some alarming statistics that highlight the issues of alcohol abuse in college students aged 18 to 24:

• Around  1,825 college students die from alcohol-related accidents each year.
• More than 690,000 college students are physically assaulted by another intoxicated student.
• About 97,000 college students are victims of alcohol-related sexual assault or date rape each year.
• Around 599,000 college students sustained accidental injuries while under the influence of alcohol
• About 25 percent of college students admit to academic consequences as a result of drinking This includes missing classes, falling behind, doing poorly on exams, and receiving low overall grades
• More than 150,000 college students develop an alcohol-related health problem each year.
• 1.2 to 1.5 percent of college students confessed that they tried to commit suicide within the past year due to their drinking or drug use

It is safe to assume that most individuals who consume alcohol have engaged in binge drinking at least once in their lifetime. Since moderate to heavy alcohol consumption can result in potential issues with judgment, any instance of binge drinking is a cause for concern. An individual who is legally intoxicated is prone to poor decision making and emotional control, putting them and those around them at a greater risk.

The most troublesome issue occurs in individuals who routinely engage in binge drinking. Such drinkers fall into the ”heavy drinking” category. Heavy drinkers retain a greater risk of developing AUD than those who consume alcohol occasionally. Although the practice of binge drinking alone is insufficient to diagnose AUD in an individual, regular binge drinkers are highly likely to have AUD than individuals who do not partake in binge drinking.

However, no specific amount of alcohol consumption is formally established to diagnose someone with AUD. The development of an alcohol use disorder is greatly related to the effects of alcohol in one’s life and their ability to control alcohol consumption.

According to SAMHSA and NIAAA, low-risk drinking behavior in men and women are: 

• Men: Consuming fourteen or fewer drinks per week (no more than four drinks in a single day or occasion).
• Women: Consuming seven or fewer drinks per week (no more than three drinks in a single day or occasion).

Research indicates that only two percent of individuals who stick to these levels or lower get diagnosed with AUD. However, over one-quarter of individuals who drank alcohol beyond these levels got diagnosed with alcohol use disorder. Thus, habitual binge drinking increases the risk of developing alcohol dependence and addiction.

Binge drinkers tend to rationalize their questionable drinking behavior by looking for information that favors them. For example, an individual who regularly binge-drinks may look for the possible benefits of alcohol use to rationalize their problematic drinking. Some of the other behaviors of someone who binge drinks are:

These binge drinking behaviors may progress into adulthood unless the problem is addressed swiftly. Individuals with a history of binge drinking early have a higher risk of developing alcohol use disorder that can create long-term physical, emotional, and social consequences.

Alcohol use can result in a number of physical and psychological issues. The negative consequences of alcohol use are closely related to the amount of alcohol consumed rather than the type of alcohol consumed. Thus, binge drinking, even on wine or beer, increases the potential for negative effects when compared to the occasional use of liquor.

Health issues associated with binge drinking:

• Cardiovascular disorders, such as high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack
• Numerous forms of cancers and renal issues
• Neurological issues, such as nerve pain, movement disorders, and dementia
• Cognitive problems, such as issues with memory, attention, and problem-solving
• Developing liver damage such as cirrhosis
• Developing menstrual issues or impotence
• Developing mental health disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder, and psychotic disorders
• Stillbirth or miscarriage
• Sudden infant death syndrome

Other risks associated with binge drinking:

• Accidents
• Getting involved in illegal activities or risky behaviors  
• Prone to violent behavior
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Unintended pregnancy
• Alcohol use disorder

Even though binge drinking cannot be formally diagnosed as a disorder, major organizations that are involved in the diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorders state that repeated binge drinking is the forerunner for serious issues with alcohol.