Top 5 Takeaways

1. Prevalence of Binge Drinking: In 2018, 16.6% of U.S. adults reported binge drinking in the past 30 days, representing approximately 38.5 million people.
2. Demographic Variations: Binge drinking prevalence was higher among men (22.5%) compared to women (12.6%), and was most common among adults aged 25-34 years (26.0%).
3. Geographic Differences: State-level binge drinking prevalence ranged from 10.5% in Utah to 25.8% in Wisconsin, with higher rates in the Midwest and Northeast regions.
4. Frequency and Intensity: Among those who binge drank, 25% did so at least weekly, and 25% consumed at least eight drinks per occasion.
5. Recommendations for Reduction: Strategies to reduce binge drinking include increasing alcohol taxes and implementing regulations to limit alcohol availability.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Michele K. Bohm, mbohm@cdc.gov, 770-488-3928

Suggested Citation

Bohm MK, Liu Y, Esser MB, et al. Binge Drinking Among Adults, by Select Characteristics and State — United States, 2018. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:1441–1446. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7041a2

Summary

In 2018, the overall unadjusted prevalence of binge drinking among U.S. adults was 16.6%, with the highest prevalence among adults aged 25-34 years. The study found significant variations in binge drinking prevalence by sex, race/ethnicity, income, education, and geographic location. Men were more likely to binge drink than women, and the prevalence was highest among non-Hispanic White adults and those with higher incomes. State-level prevalence ranged from 10.5% in Utah to 25.8% in Wisconsin. Among binge drinkers, 25% reported binge drinking at least weekly, and 25% consumed at least eight drinks on an occasion.

Methods

The study analyzed data from the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a state-based, random-digit–dialed telephone survey of U.S. adults. The analysis included 398,485 respondents aged ≥18 years. Binge drinking prevalence, frequency, and intensity were assessed using specific survey questions. Age-standardized prevalence and 95% confidence intervals were calculated overall and by sociodemographic characteristics. State-level prevalence estimates were grouped into tertiles to identify geographic patterns. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS-callable SUDAAN, accounting for complex sampling design.

Discussion

The study highlights that one in six U.S. adults reported binge drinking in the past 30 days, with significant variations by demographic and geographic factors. The findings indicate that binge drinking remains a common issue, despite a slight decrease in prevalence from previous years. The study also underscores the importance of targeted interventions to reduce binge drinking, particularly among groups disproportionately affected. Limitations include potential selection bias, self-reporting biases, and possible overestimation of binge drinking intensity.

Conclusion

Reducing binge drinking is crucial for improving public health outcomes. Effective strategies include increasing alcohol taxes, limiting alcohol sales, and regulating alcohol outlet density. Clinicians should screen adults for alcohol misuse and provide appropriate counseling and interventions. Continued monitoring and targeted public health strategies are essential to address the complex patterns of binge drinking and reduce associated health risks.

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