Drinking to Drive Yourself Mad

According to research reported by the BBC, binge drinking can lead to dementia. In Britain, drinking has almost double over the past 40 years, and binge drinking is believed to account for almost a quarter of all cases of dementia in the UK.

Is it really worth it?

NYTimes Look at Binge Drinking

Here's an insightful look at how to curb binge drinking. Originally from the September 8, 2008, edition of the New York Times.

College students spend about $5.5 billion a year on alcohol, more than they spend on books, soft drinks and other beverages combined. Alcohol is a factor in the deaths of about 1,700 college students each year.

How to Stop Binge Drinking

1. Increase awareness. One of the first thing colleges need to do is to inform students of the dangers of binge drinking. While nearly everyone is aware of the dangers of activities like drunk driving, they are not always familiar with the inherent risks of drinking too many drinks too quickly. Presentations to incoming freshmen dormitories, and students groups can help raise awareness of the detrimental effects of binge drinking. Many schools have also launched successful marketing campaigns warning of the dangers of binge drinking through posters, public service announcements and newspaper advertisements.
2. Provide alternatives to partying. Too many students turn to drinking because they don't think they have any other ways to have fun. Colleges can make great strides in lessening binge drinking by providing alcohol-free activities for students. Many schools plan dances, performances, movie showings and even arts and crafts projects on Friday and Saturday nights. Making use of student unions and activity centers, they keep students on campus and away from places where drinking will occur. Students who are enjoying a hypnotist or watching the latest Oscar-winner with their friends aren't heading out to the weekend's big frat party.
3. Provide mentors and role models. Pair incoming students with undergraduates dedicated to responsible drinking. They can help the new students learn of available alcohol-free activities while also providing support for those who want to avoid excessive drinking. It can be easier for students to face pressure to drink when they know they're not alone.
4. Increase policing, restrictions and fines. Schools and communities can help decrease drinking by decreasing the number of gatherings where it occurs. Stricter laws and regulations concerning house parties and noise violations can make hosting parties less desirable. Better patrolling of dorms can help stop gatherings in student rooms where alcohol is being consumed. Officials can also increase the penalties for drinking-related offenses like a minor in possession, hopefully making students think twice before they take their next drink.
5. Be a voice of reason. College students can help stop binge drinking by committing themselves to stopping excessive drinking. Plan a movie night instead of a trip to the bar. Let your friends know when they've had too much to drink. Don't buy someone several shots on his 21st birthday. Don't get a keg for your party. Be a trendsetter in knowing when to stop.

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National Drinking Statistics

According to national surveys:
Most people who binge drink are not dependent on alcohol
Approximately 92% of U.S. adults who drink excessively report binge drinking in the past 30 days
Although college students commonly binge drink, 70% of binge drinking episodes involve adults over the age of 25
The prevalence of binge drinking among men is 2 times the prevalence among women
Binge drinkers are 14 times more likely to report alcohol-impaired driving than non-binge drinkers
About 90% of the alcohol consumed by youth under the age of 21 in the United States is in the form of binge drinking
About 75% of the alcohol consumed by adults in the United States is in the form of binge drinking
The proportion of current drinkers that binge is highest in the 18- to 20-year-old group (51%)

Binge Drinking Facts

Binge Drinking
Binge drinking is a common pattern of excessive alcohol use in the United States. The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines binge drinking as a pattern of drinking that brings a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08 grams percent or above. This typically happens when men consume 5 or more drinks, and when women consume 4 or more drinks, in about 2 hours

Standard Drink of Alcohol
According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the federal government's official nutrition policy defines a standard drink of alcohol as 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits, 12 ounces of regular beer or 5 ounces of wine

Heavy Alcohol Use
Five or more drinks on the same occasion on 5 or more days in the past 30 days