The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines binge drinking as a pattern of drinking that brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels to 0.08 g/dL, which typically occurs after consuming 5 or more drinks for men, or 4 or more drinks for women, within a period of about 2 hours. However, it is important to note that everyone’s tolerance to alcohol can vary based on factors such as body weight, metabolism, and overall health.
Binge drinking can have serious and potentially life-threatening consequences, including alcohol poisoning, injuries, and impaired judgment leading to risky behaviors such as driving under the influence. Long-term binge drinking can also lead to chronic health problems, such as liver disease and high blood pressure.
If you or someone you know is struggling with binge drinking, it is important to seek help from a healthcare provider or a substance abuse specialist.