Binge drinking is not a problem that is just limited to what people consider alcoholism, but it can still have severe and long-term consequences. A person is binge drinker if they have consumed more than four or five drinks (for women and for men, respectively) in a sitting, which is usually a 2-3 hour period. Binge drinkers may not be physically addicted to alcohol, and may even drink once a week or less. However, because drinking too much impairs many brain and body functions, binge drinkers are often at higher risk of performing dangerous behaviors, both violent and sexual.
