Alcohol

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines binge drinking as a pattern of drinking that brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels to 0.08 g/dL. (Grams Per Decilitre). This typically occurs after 4 drinks for women and 5 drinks for men - in about 2 hours.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) which conducts the annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), defines bindge drinking as 5 or more alcoholic drinks for males or 4 or more alcoholic drinks for females on the same occasion on at least 1 day in the past month.
SAMHSA defines heavy alcohol use as binge drinking on 5 or more days in the past month.
Binge drinking and heavy alcohol use can increase an individual's risk of alcohol use disorder.

Everyone Can Contribute to the Prevention of Excessive Alcohol Use

Choose not to drink too much and help others not to as well.
If you choose to drink alcohol, follow the U.S. Dietary guidelines on moderate alcohol consumption, (no more than 1 drink per day for women and no more than 2 drinks per day for men).
Support effective community strategies to prevent excessive alcohol use.
Do not serve alcohol to those that should not be drinking, including children, teens and adults that have already drank too much.
Talk with your health care provider about your drinking behavior and request counseling and help if you drink too much.

Underage Drinking Prevention

Be Aware of Factors That May Increase the Risk of a Child's Alcohol Use

Significant social transitions such as graduating to middle or high school or getting a driver's license.
A history of social and emotional problems.
Depression, anxiety or other serious emotional problems.
A family history of alcoholism.
Contact with peers involved in troubling activities and behaviors.

Be involved in your children's lives.
Encourage your children's growing independence, but set appropriate limits.
Find ways for your children to be involved in family life, such as caring for younger siblings and household chores.
Make it easy for your children to share information about their lives.
Know where your children are, and what they are doing and who they are with.
Know your children's friends and know their parents.
Set clear rules, including rules about alcohol use and share those rules.
Do not allow your children to attend parties at which alcohol is served, and do not allow alcohol at parties in your own home.
Help your children avoid dangerous situations such as riding in a car driven by someone that has been drinking alcohol.
Help your children get professional help if you are worried about their involvement with alcohol.