High intensity drinking

High-intensity drinking is a pattern of alcohol consumption that goes beyond binge drinking. It involves consuming a very large amount of alcohol in a short period, leading to a rapid increase in blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

Here’s a breakdown:

• Definition:
  • Consuming two or more times the amount of alcohol that constitutes binge drinking.
  • Specifically, this means 10 or more standard drinks for men and 8 or more standard drinks for women within a single occasion.
• Risks:
  • Significantly increases the risk of alcohol overdose, injuries, blackouts, and alcohol poisoning.
  • Can lead to long-term health problems, including liver damage, heart disease, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
  • Can impair judgment and decision-making, leading to risky behaviors such as drunk driving, unprotected sex, and aggression.
• Prevalence:
  • More common among young adults, particularly college students.
  • Also prevalent among older adults who may use alcohol to cope with stress or life changes.

Why it’s important to distinguish from binge drinking:

• Severity of consequences: High-intensity drinking carries a much higher risk of severe and immediate negative consequences compared to binge drinking.
• Increased risk of addiction: This pattern of drinking is strongly associated with developing an alcohol use disorder.

Prevention and intervention:

• Education: Raising awareness about the dangers of high-intensity drinking is crucial.
• Social norms: Challenging social norms that encourage excessive drinking can help.
• Early intervention: Identifying and addressing high-intensity drinking early on can prevent more serious problems.

If you or someone you know is engaging in high-intensity drinking, it’s important to seek help. There are resources available to support individuals in changing their drinking habits and reducing their risk of harm.