“A Serious, But Preventable Public Health Problem”
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), binge drinking is a “serious but preventable public health problem.” The problem is not only extremely costly, but it can also be deadly.
The CDC defines binge drinking as consuming five or more alcoholic drinks within two hours for men and consuming four or more drinks within a two-hour period for women. CDC Data shows that about “one in six US adults binge drinks about four times a month, consuming about seven drinks per binge.”
How Common is Binge Drinking?
The problem is common among all age groups but most prevalent in ages between 18 and 34. However, as noted by the CDC adults that are 35 years or older that binge drink tends to consume more alcohol when binge drinking.
The Dangers of Excessive Alcohol Use
While binge drinking is not the only form of excessive alcohol use, it is the most widespread. This form of heavy alcohol use in a short period of time can have deadly consequences. The CDC notes that binge drinking is associated with a number of short- and long-term health problems including increased risk of:
- Unintentional injury
- Violence and sexual assault
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Unintended pregnancy
- Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
- SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome)
- Chronic disease
- Cancer
Alcohol poisoning is one of the serious, potentially deadly consequences. The CDC estimates that alcohol poisoning is responsible for around 2,200 deaths per year. Binge drinking also puts people at a greater risk for developing alcohol use disorder.
Excessive alcohol use within a short period can also be extremely costly, generally over one hundred billion dollars each year. The cost to your health and your wallet simply isn’t worth it.