If someone asked you to describe binge drinking, you would likely picture a scene of college students throwing back shots or chugging beers during a wild party. While that scenario definitely portrays binge drinking, it doesn’t cover the larger picture.

In fact, binge drinking is a lot broader of a term than many people realize — and because of that, many people don’t realize they’re binge drinking on a regular basis.

What is Binge Drinking?

According to the CDC, binge drinking occurs anytime a woman drinks more than four drinks or a man drinks more than five drinks in a two-hour timespan. While some may consider this unlikely to happen, think about when you’re out at a bar or party. You may find yourself sipping one drink, and before you know it, you’re ordering a fourth or fifth drink and only 90 minutes have gone by.

Who Binge Drinks?

Younger adults between the ages of 18 and 34 are the most common age group that binge drinks. This isn’t entirely surprising, considering that young adults tend to go out to social events more often. Additionally, these adults may even drink quickly before they leave the house in order to save money at bars and restaurants.

Does Binge Drinking Mean I’m Addicted to Alcohol?

If you binge drink, it does not mean you necessarily have a drinking problem. However, drinking in excess like this can put you at greater risk for developing alcoholism. The more you drink, the higher your tolerance can become, causing you to feel like you need to drink more to feel the effects.

How Do I Avoid Binge Drinking?

Simply put, be mindful of how many drinks you are consuming throughout the night. It’s also important to remember that the term “drinks” doesn’t apply to the glass itself — it refers to the ounces of alcohol in a standard drink. So while you may think you’re just having one vodka soda, if the drink had a heavy pour, it may technically count as two, maybe even three drinks.

Silvermist offers inpatient alcohol abuse and addiction treatment in Pennsylvania. In a serene and supportive environment, young adults receive a holistic and personalized approach to treatment and recovery. Learn more about our addiction treatment center—including our young adult rehab and various treatment modalities —by getting in touch with Silvermist today.