Thursday, March 12, 2009

Definition of Binge Drinking

The major popularizer of the misleading term binge to refer to the consumption of five drinks (four for a woman) which may have occurred over the period of an entire day and evening, Henry Wechsler, has now acknowledged publicly that his definition of binging doesn't require that the "binger" be intoxicated.

Traditionally and medically, the term binge refers to a period of intoxication lasting at least two days during which time the binger drops out of usual life activities and responsibilities. It's associated with alcohol addiction and serious drinking problems. A binge without intoxication is nonsensical.

Using the term binge to refer to sober behavior is deceptive and misleading, at best. Many leading researchers, as well as a coalition of 21 higher education associations, has called for an end to the incorrect use of this emotion-laden term
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http://www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/InTheNews/BingeDrinking/1040072903.html

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