Which of the following best describes a heavy drinking pattern?

A heavy drinking pattern is best described as consuming 5 or more drinks on 5 or more days. This definition is based on established guidelines that indicate heavy drinking not only involves a significant quantity of alcohol consumed in a single occasion but also frequency. Engaging in such a pattern can lead to various health issues, including addiction and other related disorders.

In contrast, daily drinking at low levels suggests a less intense consumption that might not qualify as heavy drinking, as it doesn’t meet the criteria of higher quantities consumed at any given time. Weekend binge drinking typically involves consuming large amounts of alcohol over a short period but does not reflect a consistent pattern across multiple days, which is a characteristic of heavy drinking. Monthly social drinking is usually considered moderate and does not imply any heavy alcohol use, as it suggests infrequent and perhaps low consumption. These distinctions clarify why the specified criteria for option C accurately define a heavy drinking pattern.