Mon Dec 02 19:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Holiday Season Sees Rise in ‘High-Intensity’ Drinking Among Middle-Aged Adults, Experts Warn

**New York, NY** – As the holiday season approaches, experts are raising concerns about a worrying trend: a surge in “high-intensity” drinking, particularly among middle-aged adults. While binge drinking remains a concern, particularly among young adults, high-intensity drinking—defined as consuming eight or more drinks in a single sitting for women, and ten or more for men—is increasingly prevalent, according to a report published in the National Library of Medicine.

This surpasses the typical binge drinking threshold of four or five drinks in two hours by a significant margin. Studies suggest a desire for increased sociability is a contributing factor, although the precise reasons behind this trend are still being investigated.

Data from the Monitoring the Future study shows a decline in high-intensity drinking among 19-to-30-year-olds from 11% in 2013 to 8.5% in 2023. However, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Director George F. Koob notes that this figure remains high, especially for those in their late twenties. Recent data indicates that over one in eight 27-to-28-year-olds consume ten or more drinks in a single night.

The dangers of high-intensity drinking are substantial. It leads to rapid and severe intoxication, significantly raising blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels to potentially fatal levels. Dr. Koob warns that eight to ten drinks can result in a BAC exceeding 0.2%, dramatically increasing the risk of injury, overdose, and death. This contrasts sharply with the typical BAC of over 0.08% associated with a standard binge.

Beyond the immediate physical risks, high-intensity drinking impairs judgment and coordination, leading to potential harm to the individual and others, including accidents, violence, and damaged relationships. Stanford University addiction expert Keith Humphreys highlights the increased likelihood of “full blackouts” and dangerous behavior among those engaging in such drinking.

Furthermore, experts link high-intensity drinking to a higher risk of alcohol use disorder and stress on vital organs like the liver. They strongly advocate for moderate alcohol consumption and urge public education campaigns to raise awareness of the risks associated with excessive drinking.

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