Binge Drinking: Signs, Risks, and Getting Help

What Is Binge Drinking? Signs And Symptoms To Notice

Alcohol consumption can occur at varying levels—however, binge drinking is one of the riskiest ways people can use alcohol. Learning the possible signs and contributing factors to this pattern of behavior can often be the first step to recovery and healthy alcohol use. Read on to learn more about what binge drinking is, the possible associated risks and supportive strategies that can help break unhealthy behaviors around alcohol.

Understanding Binge Drinking

According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), the act of binge drinking can be defined as a drinking pattern that involves consuming enough alcohol to reach a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 g/dL.

For context, this 0.08 g/dl threshold is the legal limit for driving under the influence in most states. If someone is pulled over and registers this BAC level on a breathalyzer test, it can serve as evidence for a DUI conviction.

To reach this BAC level, a man would typically need to consume five or more drinks or a woman would need to have consumed four or more drinks within two hours. However, this varies based on factors like body weight, food consumption, and the alcohol percentage (ABV) of each beverage.

It’s important to understand that binging and excessive drinking represent different but related behavioral patterns. Binge drinking generally falls under the excessive drinking category, but not all excessive drinking constitutes binging.

Excessive drinking is defined as “the consumption of four or more drinks on any day or eight or more drinks per week for women and five or more drinks on any day or 15 or more drinks per week for men.”

The key difference is timing: someone can be a heavy drinker with drinks spread throughout a day or week. If consumption doesn’t occur within a concentrated two-hour period, it doesn’t meet the technical definition of binge drinking.

Research suggests that the majority of people who binge drink do not have an alcohol use disorder. However, it remains a concerning form of alcohol misuse with significant health risks.

Prevalence and Risks of Binge Drinking

Studies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that about one in six adults in the United States will binge drink, consuming an average of seven drinks about four times per month.

Young adults between 18 and 34 years old statistically show the highest likelihood of engaging in binge drinking—with many doing so below the legal drinking age. According to the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, 90% of the drinks consumed by people under 21 years of age are in the form of binge drinks.

The potential health and social risks associated with binge drinking include:

• Chronic disease affecting organs, particularly the heart and liver
• Increased likelihood of engaging in unsafe sexual practices
• Unintended pregnancies, pregnancy complications, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
• Reproductive health issues including impotence and menstrual disorders
• Elevated cancer risk, especially cancers of the mouth, throat, and esophagus
• Diminished academic and workplace performance due to cognitive effects
• Neurological complications including nerve damage and potential long-term dementia risk
• Significantly higher risk of injuries, alcohol poisoning, and accidents

Recognizing the Signs of Binge Drinking

Binge drinking often manifests through several recognizable symptoms:

Frequent Blackouts

Individuals who binge drink may consume alcohol to the point of experiencing blackouts—periods where they appear conscious but later have no memory of their actions or surroundings. While blackouts can occur with other drinking patterns as well, their frequent occurrence warrants professional consultation.

Memory Impairment

Even without complete blackouts, binge drinking commonly leads to memory gaps and forgetfulness. Someone might attend a social event and later struggle to recall specific conversations, people they met, or actions they took while drinking.

If you’re experiencing concerning memory issues related to alcohol consumption, consulting with a healthcare provider is recommended.

Neglect of Responsibilities

People engaging in binge drinking patterns may find themselves unable to fulfill important obligations—either due to severe hangovers the following day or because they prioritize drinking over commitments. This can negatively impact academic performance, work productivity, and personal relationships.

Telehealth therapy through ReachLink can provide valuable support in addressing these behavioral patterns and developing healthier coping mechanisms.

Engagement in Risky Behaviors

Excessive alcohol consumption often leads to impaired judgment and increased risk-taking. Common examples include unsafe sexual encounters, physical altercations, financial impulsivity, and driving while intoxicated.

Particularly dangerous is the practice of mixing alcohol with medications—which can be life-threatening due to adverse drug interactions or because certain medications mask alcohol’s effects, potentially leading to alcohol poisoning.

Concentrated Weekend and Holiday Drinking

Many binge drinkers reserve their heavy consumption for weekends and holidays, creating a pattern of extreme drinking episodes followed by periods of moderation or abstinence.

It’s important to recognize that even isolated instances of binge drinking can cause harm. ReachLink’s licensed therapists can help establish healthier patterns around alcohol use during high-risk periods.

Seeking Help Through Telehealth Therapy

While there isn’t a formal diagnosis specifically for binge drinking disorder, effective help is available for this concerning behavioral pattern.

If you find yourself binge drinking regularly, connecting with a mental health professional who specializes in substance use concerns is recommended. A specialist can help you understand the triggers and thought patterns that contribute to drinking behaviors while providing evidence-based strategies for change.

ReachLink’s network of licensed professionals is available through secure video sessions to help you identify factors that may contribute to binge drinking patterns. Our therapists provide personalized support as you develop the skills needed to cope with triggers and establish healthier relationships with alcohol.

The telehealth approach offers distinct advantages for addressing alcohol concerns. Many people hesitate to seek in-person treatment due to stigma surrounding drinking problems. Virtual therapy provides a more private, accessible entry point to treatment. Additionally, the flexibility to schedule appointments at preferred times means you can engage with therapy when you’re most likely to be sober and receptive.

Research supports the effectiveness of telehealth interventions for alcohol use concerns. In one randomized controlled trial of 156 participants divided between a three-month e-therapy program and a waiting list control group, researchers found remarkable results. The e-therapy participants decreased their average weekly alcohol consumption by 28.8 units, compared to just 3.1 units in the control group.

Moving Forward

Reducing or eliminating problematic drinking patterns is challenging but achievable. Many people benefit from first understanding the underlying factors driving their consumption behaviors. If you recognize binge drinking signs in yourself or someone close to you, consider connecting with a licensed therapist through ReachLink’s secure telehealth platform.

Our evidence-based approach has been shown to be as effective as traditional in-person therapy for addressing binge drinking and related concerns. With the right support, you can develop healthier patterns and reclaim control over your relationship with alcohol.