Binge Drinking Facts

Medically Reviewed By Kayla Loibl | Last Edited :January 06,
2021 | 4 Sources

Teenage Binge Drinking

What is binge drinking? How to stop binge drinking? Is it one of the causes of teenage alcoholism?

There are two definitions of binge drinking:

It is drinking 5 or more alcoholic beverages in a row (in a span of 2 hours or less) for men, and 4 or more drinks for women.
The other definition of binge drinking applies to somebody who goes out with the specific intention of getting drunk.

Binge Drinking Facts
Binge Drinking and Alcoholism?

Although binge drinkers do lose control when drinking, which is one of the signs of alcoholism, they do not usually display more than one or, at most, two warning signs of alcoholism.

A binge drinker can go weeks or months without a drink.

However, when they do drink they drink A LOT.

But binge drinking can lead to alcoholism particularly amongst the young.

It's important to keep in mind that just because binge drinking is not alcoholism does not mean it is safe. There are many dangers of binge drinking. That is why it is important to either stop drinking altogether or to cut down on alcohol consumption.

Do you want to stop binge drinking without having to attend 12 step meetings and embrace abstention? I highly recommend Rahul Nag's E-book, in which he outlines the steps you need to take to moderate your drinking or give up entirely. A great alternative to the way of AA and the expense of a treatment center. Take a risk-free look at his method and return to social drinking.

Binge Drinking Facts
Teenage Binge Drinking

Binge drinking is many teenager's first experience of alcohol.

A majority of youngsters grow out of binge drinking but a minority do not.

This can lead to teen alcoholism.

Alcohol is the most frequently used substance among teens in the U.S. Alcoholism statistics reveal that a teenager who drinks alcohol before the age of 15 is four times more likely to develop drinking problems than someone who doesn't consume alcohol until they are past 19 years of age.

Teenage binge drinking is relatively common.

By this I mean that it is is unusual to find teenagers who drink socially and responsibly.

The reason for this is that it is illegal and seen as 'bad' for teenagers to consume alcohol. This means when teens drink....

....they are drinking in secret with the fear of getting caught by parents, teachers etc. So they drink quickly.
....they have to plan their drinking session, buy the alcohol, hide the alcohol and find a place to drink. Such organizing is time-consuming and requires certain conditions (i.e. finding a store that serves people under age, having the money, parents going away etc.) This means that teens make the most of the situation and drink as much as they can because such an opportunity might not occur again.

Binge drinking, for most teenagers, is their first introduction to drink.

Binge Drinking Facts
Reasons for Binge Drinking

Most people binge drink at some stage in their lives. Remember Christmas, your 21st birthday?

Yet it is teens and those at college (14-22 years of age) who are the most likely to binge drink regularly. How so? As children transition from adolescence to young adulthood, they go through dramatic physical, lifestyle, and emotional changes. Developmental changes, like increasing independence and puberty, have been linked with alcohol use.

There are a number of reasons for binge drinking amongst teens:

The young are curious they like to experiment.

The young are entering adult life, they want to be seen as adult. What is a sign of adulthood? Drinking alcohol. The more you can drink, the more adult you are.
The young are rebellious. They want to break from their parents and their rules. One of their parents' biggest rules- NO ALCOHOL!!.
The young are angry. They can express or repress this anger when they are drunk.
The young have no responsibilities. They do not have taxes to pay, children to feed etc.

Those who continue to binge drink into adult life are teenagers who have not grown up.

Binge Drinking Facts
How to Stop Binge Drinking

If you or someone you care about is binge drinking. If you or they want help to stop binge drinking, then there are number of treatment options:

1. Just stop drinking
Easier said then done and a very difficult thing to do.

Moderate Your Drinking Without AA

2. Individual Therapy
This is good if you want to stop drinking and explore further as to why you binge drink. Many people find such information valuable and helpful.

3. Group Therapy
As above but instead of a one-to-one with a therapist/counselor. It is a group with one or two counselors working to diminish risk factors for alcohol abuse. Some people prefer this option because they feel less pressure in a group situation.

4. 12 Step Meetings
Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are gatherings of those who want to stop drinking (you do not have to be an alcoholic). It is a place to find empathy and support. There is no counseling/therapy. It is a place to express your feelings among sympathetic people.

5. Treatment Center
An alcohol addiction recovery center usually involves a 4 week stay and involves therapy (one-to-one and group), self-reflection, and a LOT of tears. The most effective way to stop drinking but also expensive and time consuming.

6. Other Alternatives
Despite the dominance of the 12-Step, there are many AA alternatives for those wishing to reduce their alcohol consumption or quit drinking altogether.

IF YOU WANT TO STOP DRINKING THEN CONSULT A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL BEFORE YOU DO: ALCOHOL WITHDRAWALS CAN BE FATAL.

Free Expert Advice

877-322-2694

Free Expert Advice

877-322-2694

The above options are just that, options. Choose whichever suits you and if not successful then try another approach. Do not give up!

If you found this page, binge drinking facts, helpful, then the following may be of interest to you:

Lead Writer/Reviewer : Kayla Loibl

Licensed Medical Health Professional

Hello!

I am a Mental Health Counselor who is licensed in both New York (LMHC) and North Carolina (LCMHC). I have been working in the Mental Health field since 2015. I have worked in a residential setting, an outpatient program and an inpatient addictions program. I began working in Long Island, NY and then in Guelph, Ontario after moving to Canada. Read More

Sources:

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Underage Drinking. October 2020. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/underage-drinking

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Underage Drinking. January 2006. https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/AA67/AA67.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Underage Drinking. October 23, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/underage-drinking.htm

National Center for Health Research. Binge Drinking in Teens and Young Adults. https://www.center4research.org/binge-drinking-teens-young-adults/

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