Improve My Emotional Health
Talk About Mental Health Safely
Provide Resources to My Community
Learn More
Need to Know
Binge drinking is defined as consuming enough alcohol in a short timeframe to raise blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08% or higher — typically five or more drinks for men or four or more drinks for women within about two hours.
More broadly, it includes any excessive drinking pattern that causes negative consequences, such as impaired decision-making, health risks, or social and academic problems.
Emotional health challenges, such as stress, anxiety, or depression, often drive binge drinking as a way to cope, numb feelings, or escape.
Binge drinking is most common among young adults ages 18 to 34, but it can affect anyone. It also carries significant health risks, including alcohol poisoning, liver damage, and an increased risk of alcohol use disorder.
Social pressures, cultural norms, and easy accessibility often contribute to binge drinking behaviors.
Binge drinking increases the risk of committing sexual assault. Those who assault others also sometimes target people who have been drinking.
Professional support, such as therapy, counseling, or support groups, can help individuals change their relationship with alcohol and make healthier choices.
Things to Avoid
Avoid normalizing or glorifying excessive drinking in your content, because it can encourage harmful behaviors.
Steer clear of making light of binge drinking, such as joking about blacking out or potentially harmful situations, because it diminishes the seriousness of the issues.
Be cautious about using imagery that promotes binge drinking, such as photos with excessive glasses, empty bottles, or people engaging in behaviors that suggest overconsumption.
Avoid promoting party games that encourage binge drinking, because it can make it seem fun or harmless.
Don’t oversimplify the topic by offering quick solutions or dismissing the emotional or social pressures that often lead to binge drinking.
Your Opportunity
Use your platform to educate your audience about the risks of binge drinking and the importance of moderation.
If you’re sharing about a favorite bar or drink, take a moment to highlight that you keep to one or two drinks and avoid alcohol when you’re feeling stressed or looking to escape.
Help your audience understand the difference between casual or moderate drinking and dangerous levels of consumption.
Share stories of people who’ve made positive changes, showcasing the benefits of healthier habits and professional support.
Highlight that it’s possible to have fun and connect with others — even in environments where drinking is common — without consuming alcohol. Show that enjoying yourself and being social doesn’t require a drink in hand.
Provide resources for those concerned about their own drinking or a friend’s, including warning signs of problematic behavior and ways to start supportive conversations.
Reinforce that it’s never too late to make healthier choices and prioritize well-being.
Resources
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Call the national helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for confidential support and resources.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Find support groups to build a healthier relationship with alcohol, including AA groups geared toward specific populations, such as atheists, LGBTQIA+ people, and people of color.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Access research-based information about alcohol use and its risks.
The Jed Foundation (JED)
Visit the JED Mental Health Resource Center to learn more about binge drinking.
Explore by Topic:
Explore topics uniquely relevant to your journey and audience. Engage with content that enhances your understanding and equips you to manage your specific mental health needs effectively.