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  • What Is Binge Drinking?What Is Binge Drinking?
  • How Common Is It?How Common Is It?
  • Common SignsCommon Signs
  • What Are the Health Risks?What Are the Health Risks?
  • What Causes It?What Causes It?
  • When Does It Become a Problem?When Does It Become a Problem?
  • Treatment OptionsTreatment Options
  • Overcoming Binge DrinkingOvercoming Binge Drinking
  • ConclusionConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesAdditional Resources
  • InfographicsInfographics
Addiction Articles Addiction Best Sobriety Apps Addiction Recovery Apps

Binge Drinking: Signs, Causes, & Treatments

Matt Glowiak PhD CPC headshot

Author: Matt Glowiak, PhD, LCPC

Matt Glowiak PhD CPC headshot

Matt Glowiak PhD, LCPC

Matt specializes in major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, bipolar I and II, BPD, OCD, PTSD, and schizophrenia.

See My Bio Editorial Policy
Pat F. Bass, MD, MS, MPH

Medical Reviewer: Pat Bass III, MD, MS, MPH Licensed medical reviewer

Published: July 14, 2023
  • What Is Binge Drinking?What Is Binge Drinking?
  • How Common Is It?How Common Is It?
  • Common SignsCommon Signs
  • What Are the Health Risks?What Are the Health Risks?
  • What Causes It?What Causes It?
  • When Does It Become a Problem?When Does It Become a Problem?
  • Treatment OptionsTreatment Options
  • Overcoming Binge DrinkingOvercoming Binge Drinking
  • ConclusionConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesAdditional Resources
  • InfographicsInfographics

Binge drinking is consuming large amounts of alcohol in a single session.1 Binge drinking can pose many health and social implications, possibly increasing the risk of liver problems, alcohol poisoning, and injury. Individuals may binge drink for various reasons, but the long-term consequences can be dangerous or fatal.

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What Is Binge Drinking?

Binge drinking is defined as the consumption of at least four or five drinks within two hours.2 According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, a single drink is a 12-ounce can of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or a 1.5-ounce shot of distilled spirits.3 Unfortunately, this pattern of drinking contributes to high-risk behavior, health complications, alcohol poisoning, and death.4

Binge drinking is defined as:2

  • Consuming five drinks for adult males within two hours
  • Consuming four drinks for adult females within two hours
  • Occurring at least one day in the past month

How Common Is Binge Drinking?

Binge drinking affects all age groups and genders, with roughly 28.8% of male adults and 20.4% of females engaging in the behavior. Individuals aged 26 and older account for nearly 70% of all binge drinking episodes, but adolescents and seniors also report sessions of excessive alcohol consumption.5,6,7

Signs of Binge Drinking

The signs of binge drinking differ. Some individuals may only binge drink to ‘let loose’ or have fun at social events. For others, binge drinking is a means of escape. This avoidant coping strategy provides temporary relief but often furthers the consequences of binge drinking.
Many binge drinkers consume drinks that include multiple units of alcohol. For example, one mixed drink may contain five units of alcohol, and a person may order two drinks without realizing they are on an ‘alcohol binge.’

Common binge drinking signs may include:8

  • Drinking alcohol regularly
  • Drinking excessively on weekends or holidays
  • Engaging in risky behaviors while under the influence of alcohol
  • Frequently drinking more alcohol than intended
  • Having one or more memory lapses after drinking
  • Ignoring the concerns of others

What Are the Effects of Binge Drinking?

The risks of binge drinking vary depending on various individual characteristics, such as height, weight, gender, and mental wellness. Prescription medications and frequency of binge drinking also impact the health complications of binge drinking. However, the long-term effects of binge drinking can be severe, even life-threatening.

Short-Term Health Risks

The short-term health risks of binge drinking are often acute, occurring immediately after drinking and lasting briefly. However, this does not mean the effects cannot be severe. Binge drinking just once could result in disastrous consequences, such as alcohol poisoning or an alcohol-related accident.

Short-term health risks of binge drinking may include:9

  • Anger, frustration, hostility
  • Decreased blood pressure
  • Dehydration
  • Depression
  • Exhaustion
  • Reduced attention span
  • Reduced motor control and reaction times
  • Slower breathing
  • Birth complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth, or fetal alcohol syndrome
  • Alcohol poisoning, which may entail vomiting, seizures, coma, or death

Long-Term Health Risks

Long-term health risks are those that tend to build up over time. Binge drinkers are at risk of numerous medical and mental health complications ranging from high blood pressure to major depressive disorder. The dangers of binge drinking present as the condition grows in intensity but are highly preventable by abstaining from alcohol or drinking responsibly.

Long-term health risks of binge drinking may include:9

  • Diagnosable mental health or substance use disorder
  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Increased cancer risk
  • Issues sleeping
  • Liver problems
  • Loss of brain volume in younger individuals
  • Social isolation/withdraw
  • Stroke
  • Weakened immune system
  • Weight gain

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What Causes Binge Drinking?

Why people binge drink differs, with some individuals seeking a fun time or to escape from reality. Some may intentionally engage in poor drinking habits, while others may not know how to moderate their alcohol consumption. In either case, binge drinking is still a dangerous practice. Individuals struggling with mental health or substance use disorders are particularly vulnerable, as maladaptive thinking and coping skills may direct one to such behavior.

Possible causes of binge drinking include:

  • Alcohol is readily available
  • Celebrating
  • Finding a means of escape
  • Mental health or substance use disorder
  • Needing to drink for the buzz
  • Playing drinking games
  • Rebelling from authority
  • Relapse after a period of sobriety
  • Seeing others consuming alcohol
  • Socializing with friends or meeting new people
  • Struggling with loss
  • Testing one’s tolerance
  • Wanting to have fun

When Does Binge Drinking Become a Problem?

For many, one drink leads to another–the time is fun, and things escalate. Conversely, someone may have a bad day and ‘drink it off.’ However, alcohol consumption may steadily progress into more frequent binge drinking episodes. Although alcohol abstinence is best, guidelines are available to help determine the parameters of mild to moderate drinking.

Binge drinking may pose a problem in cases such as:10

  • A female having more than seven drinks per week or more than three drinks per occasion
  • A male having more than 14 drinks per week or more than four drinks per occasion
  • Seniors having more than seven drinks per week or more than three drinks per occasion

Sometimes an unhealthy relationship with alcohol hasn’t created major problems in your life yet, but the warning signs are there. Maybe you’ve found yourself looking up “how to sober up fast” on Google, or you’ve cancelled plans because you’re hungover after a night of binge drinking.

How Is Binge Drinking Treated?

Treatments that address problematic binge drinking while concurrently exploring maladaptive beliefs and thoughts surrounding alcohol are ideal. Working on other mental health or substance use disorders simultaneously is also beneficial. The severity of binge drinking episodes primarily determines the type of treatment required. Residential or outpatient settings are available to help manage binge drinking or alcohol-related habits.

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Residential Treatment

Residential (inpatient) treatment is the most comprehensive. Patients live on-site throughout rehab and receive 24/7 monitoring, individual and group therapy sessions, educational classes, activities, and medication management (as appropriate). Upon discharge, professionals recommend ongoing outpatient therapy and support groups.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment may be conducted one-on-one with a counselor, in a group setting, or as part of an intensive outpatient program (IOP). Individual sessions offer opportunities to explore the issues contributing to binge drinking behavior. The client and therapist work together toward specific goals, often focusing on behavioral, thought, and belief modification.

Individual Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a highly recommended treatment for binge drinking. CBT explores how clients’ thoughts, personal beliefs, and values impact their emotions and behaviors. For example, an individual who binge drinks may believe, “I like to binge drink but am not an alcoholic.” Therefore, they allow themselves to binge drink. Therapists and clients work together to adapt their beliefs, thoughts, and behaviors to create a healthier outcome.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is also beneficial when addressing binge drinking. DBT incorporates mindfulness, helping to keep individuals focused on the present. Practicing mindfulness when consuming alcohol may allow individuals to prevent future binge drinking episodes.

Medication

Not all cases of binge drinking will require medication, and any prescribed most commonly address severe diagnosed alcohol use disorder. Antabuse (disulfiram) discourages alcohol consumption by interfering with the degradation of alcohol, leaving those who drink feeling ill. Vivitrol is also used to curb cravings, helping reduce the risk of relapse. Take any prescribed medications as directed by a qualified physician.

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How to Overcome Binge Drinking

Living with binge drinking will have its ups and downs. Keep in mind that this is natural. It is a normal human tendency to begin considering a vice as a coping mechanism when times are tough. Recovery yields positive outcomes when you are intentional and consistent with the process.

Though treatment for issues with binge drinking is ideal, many techniques may reduce urges and incidents of excessive alcohol consumption. If you prefer to drink occasionally, intend to do so moderately and safely. Plan for events and consider who will help hold you accountable. Moderation can help you prevent consequences that can happen as a result of binge drinking.

Below are tips for addressing binge drinking behavior:

  • Attend support groups
  • Distance yourself from triggering persons, places, and things
  • Engage in healthier activities and hobbies
  • Journal or partake in creative expression
  • Consider trying a meditation practice
  • Start seeing a therapist
  • Create a supportive social network

Final Thoughts

The risks and dangers of binge drinking are numerous, but practicing safe alcohol consumption can help prevent health complications, injury, or death. If you or a loved one are struggling with binge drinking habits or alcohol use disorder, help is available to aid you in recovery.

Additional Resources

To help our readers take the next step in their mental health journey, ChoosingTherapy.com has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. ChoosingTherapy.com is compensated for marketing by the companies included below.

Alcohol Treatment – Cut Back or Quit Entirely

Ria Health – Quickly change your relationship to alcohol with our at-home program. On average, members reduce their BAC levels by 50% in 3 months in the program. Services are covered by many major health plans. Visit Ria Health

Drinking Moderation

Sunnyside – Want to drink less? Sunnyside helps you ease into mindful drinking at your own pace. Think lifestyle change, not a fad diet. Develop new daily routines, so you maintain your new habits for life. Take a 3 Minute Quiz

Detox or Rehab Center Covered by Insurance

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For Further Reading

The following are helpful additional resources for anyone impacted by binge drinking:

  • Helpful Books About Alcoholism
  • NIAAA Rethinking Drinking
  • NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator
  • SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator
  • What Is A Borg Drink?
  • Does Drinking Every Night Make Me An Alcoholic?

Best Online Medication-Assisted Treatment Programs

Best Online Medication-Assisted Treatment Programs

Online medication-assisted treatment programs are fairly new to the telehealth industry, but existing companies are expanding quickly with new programs emerging every day. It’s important to explore your options and understand the level of virtual care available so you can choose the best addiction treatment program for you.

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Best Mindful Drinking Apps

Best Mindful Drinking Apps

If you’re thinking about joining the sober curious movement and you’d like to cut back on drinking, mindful drinking apps are a great place to start. Practicing mindful drinking can take some time, attention, and patience, but with the help of the right app, you can completely transform your relationship with alcohol.

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Binge Drinking Infographics

Binge Drinking Definition   Health Risks of Binge Drinking   Causes and Triggers of Binge Drinking

Getting Help for Binge Drinking

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Sources Update History

ChoosingTherapy.com strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • Foundation for a Drug Free World. (n.d.). What is binge drinking? Retrieved from https://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/alcohol/what-is-binge-drinking.html

  • National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (NIAAA). (n.d.). Drinking levels defined. Retrieved from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/moderate-binge-drinking.

  • National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (n.d.). What is a standard drink? Retrieved from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/what-standard-drink.

  • National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (NIH). (2020). Alcohol facts and statistics. Retrieved from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/alcohol-facts-and-statistics

  • Galbicsek, C. (2020). Binge drinking. Retrieved from https://www.alcoholrehabguide.org/alcohol/binge-drinking/

  • NIH MedlinePlus. (2019). How much is too much? What you need to know about binge drinking. Retrieved from https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/how-much-is-too-much-5-things-you-need-to-know-about-binge-drinking

  • Alcohol Facts & Statistics. (N.D.). National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Retrieved from: https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/alcohol-facts-and-statistics

  • American Addiction Centers. (2019). What is binge drinking? Retrieved from https://americanaddictioncenters.org/alcoholism-treatment/binge-drinking-problem

  • WebMD. (2020). Binge drinking. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/binge-drinking

  • American Family Physician. (2004). Alcohol abuse: How to recognize problem drinking. Am Fam Physician, 69(6):1497-1498.

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We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.

July 14, 2023
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Edited for readability and clarity. Reviewed and added relevant resources.
November 20, 2020
Author: Matt Glowiak, PhD, LCPC
Reviewer: Pat Bass III, MD, MS, MPH
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