Is Heavy Drinking a Problem in the U.S.?

How bad is heavy drinking in the U.S. today? What is even considered heavy drinking?

One report says that heavy drinking, or otherwise dangerous behavior toward alcohol, is a public-health crisis today. Binge drinking, alcohol disorder and high-risk drinking are all on the rise in the U.S. Women are a group among several that has experienced a significant increase in heavy drinking over the past several years.

The Definition of Heavy Drinking

Heavy drinking means binge drinking on five or more days per month. (SAMHSA) However, the word heavy drinking has different layers. How people use alcohol, such as binge drinking, high-risk drinking and alcohol disorders, can also be heavy drinking or otherwise dangerous drinking behavior.

Binge drinking is a pattern of drinking that brings a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to .08 or higher in a short amount of time. For men, this can mean consuming five drinks every couple of hours. For women, it’s four. An alcohol disorder could mean an individual is drinking so much alcohol that it affects their work or family life. High-risk drinking is binge drinking at least once a week.

The increasing number of Americans drinking more is due to numerous reasons, but much of the ‘why’ can root back to stress. Some researchers say that the economic downturn from 2008 plays a big part in the continuous increase in heavy drinking behavior because Americans as a whole were stressed about the economy. Another reason can link back to rising depression rates, and alcohol is one method people use to cope with it. Finally, women’s roles are also changing, and the stigma that came with women drinking has dwindled drastically over the years. As a whole, drinking for women and other minority groups in various racial or socioeconomic groups have risen.

Heavy Drinking and Drunk Driving

Although there’s been a rise among Americans when it comes to heavy drinking, it shouldn’t mean that some choices associated with drinking, such as driving, should be increasing, too. Unfortunately, however, drunk driving deaths increased for the second year in a row (2015 and 2016). Despite this alarming rise, there is a simple and safe option to keep someone from making the dangerous decision to drink and drive.

The Ignition Interlock or Car Breathalyzer Program

An Ignition Interlock Device is a breathalyzer that’s installed into a vehicle. When the user tests and blows into it, the device will analyze the user’s breath sample, or their BrAC (breath alcohol concentration). Their vehicle will either turn on like normal if someone’s alcohol content is below the set fail point in the device, or it will stay off if someone’s BrAC is above this point. The Ignition Interlock is a foolproof and affordable way to keep someone off the road drunk, and can make our roadways more safe.

Interested in the Smart Start Voluntary Ignition Interlock Program?

Call Smart Start to schedule your Ignition Interlock installation appointment today by calling (800) 831-3299 or by filling out our online form.