While there is often disagreement among the academic, research and medical communities as to exactly what constitutes binge drinking, there is virtually no dispute that over-consumption of alcohol during a concentrated period of time with resulting intoxication can lead to destructive, abusive and potentially life-threatening behavior.

Evidence suggests that binge drinking can begin in early teen years, but usually peaks during the so-called “college years” for the ages of 18-to-21, before trailing off during young adulthood. Individuals involved in binge drinking, or even considering it for personal or social reasons, and their family and loved ones should learn more about this issue, its effects and how to prevent or minimize it.

Those individuals who most often engage in binge drinking are, in fact, old enough to understand and use appropriate measures to avoid the behavior. They need to recognize that over-consumption of any type of alcohol poses significant increased risks to their health and well-being, as well as the need to not make excuses for themselves and their friends who drink too much. This Web site contains information on the role of self-deception in alcohol consumption, including how to recognize and overcome it.

Please see our Links & Resources page for a selection from the many, independent information resources about binge drinking that are available to youth, adults and parents. In turn, many of these sites include links to additional information on alcohol issues.