Citation

Petit A, Karila L, Benyamina A, Reynaud M, Aubin HJ. PSN 2009; 7(3-4): 122-126.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009)

DOI

10.1007/s11836-009-0091-5

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Binge drinking refers to an alcohol intake of at least 5 drinks on a single occasion and in a limited period of time (less than two hours). Most of the time, binge drinking occurs during weekend evenings. The only goal of the binge drinker is to get drunk, whatever quantity of alcohol is needed. This behavior usually begins around 12-13 years of age, and dramatically increases after high school, in the context of parties. The 18-25 age range represents almost half of binge drinking prevalence. Maintenance of this behavior after 25 could be a predictive factor of future alcohol dependence; about 50% of binge drinkers become dependent. Health care professionals have an important role to play, not only during routine visits, but particularly after an accident or suicide attempt. Adolescents should be routinely asked about their alcohol drinking behavior, in order to give them the opportunity to talk freely about their problems. Once problems are recognized, they should be referred to the appropriate forums. Parents should be involved in the therapeutic process whenever possible. Recent public awareness of the binge drinking problem has led to government action, together with prevention activities oriented towards the youth. © 2009 Springer Verlag France.

Language: en

Keywords

human; accident; alcoholism; Adolescence; suicide attempt; Alcoholism; alcohol consumption; article; drinking behavior; child parent relation; health care personnel; high school; Intoxification