Am I a Binge Drinker?

According to Allen Nace, MA, LMHC, CASAC, Administrative Director of Community Rehabilitation Services/Addiction Treatment Services at HealthAlliance Hospital: Broadway Campus, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth), “Binge drinking is defined as five drinks for men and four drinks for women in a period of one or two hours. It is also thought to be heavy episodic drinking, with the intent of becoming intoxicated.” 

Even if your drinking habit doesn’t affect your lifestyle, Nace says it is important to understand there are long-term health risks associated with binge drinking, such as brain damage, liver damage, stroke, heart problems, cancer and infertility. “Alcohol is an integral part of our culture, and often included in our celebrations,” he adds. “Ask yourself: Would you be willing to attend a wedding or other celebratory affair where there would not be any alcohol? If not, it may be time to examine the issue.”

To learn more about addiction/substance abuse services, please visit www.hahv.org/addiction-substance-abuse-services.