Teens who engage in binge drinking consume 90% of all alcohol consumed by teens. Despite the high numbers of binge drinking among teens, many do not know what amount of alcohol qualifies as a binge. It’s important to know what binge drinking is and what the potential consequences are so that teens can make an informed decision about alcohol.
Binge drinking means having a blood alcohol content of .08%. This is the equivalent of having 5 drinks for men and 4 drinks for women within a 2-hour period. However, many teens are smaller in size than most adults, and it may take only 3-4 drinks for boys and 3 drinks for girls to reach a BAC of .08%.
Binge drinking is dangerous and increases the risk of blackouts, memory loss, alcohol poisoning, injury, car crashes, physical and sexual assault, sexually transmitted diseases, and numerous problems at school and work. Teens under the influence of 3 or more drinks are more likely to experience these negative physical effects and engage in high-risk behavior. Drinking heavily can also have negative consequences for the brain. Teen brains are still developing, making them more likely to experience problems later in life with impulse control, memory, learning, and decision-making. This can result in struggles at work, school, and with relationships.
Binge drinking can lead to alcohol use disorders later in life. Continual alcohol problems cost 30 years of life on average. To decrease the risk of developing an alcohol use disorder, say no to binge drinking. What starts with one decision to have a drink can end with irreversible damage.
Underage Drinking
Underage Drinking
Underage Drinking
Underage Drinking
Impaired Driving
Underage Drinking
Underage Drinking
Underage Drinking
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