What constitutes binge alcohol use?

Binge alcohol use is defined as the consumption of 5 or more drinks on a single occasion for men and 4 or more drinks for women within about a 2-hour period. This pattern of drinking is associated with a risk of negative health and social outcomes, including impaired judgment, accidents, and longer-term issues such as dependence.

The threshold of 5 drinks for men is widely recognized based on various health organization guidelines, and therefore, it effectively captures the point at which drinking becomes potentially hazardous and can lead to binge drinking episodes. This concept is crucial for understanding drinking behaviors and implementing effective prevention strategies in behavioral health.