The Latest Research on Young Men and Binge Drinking

More than one-third of male college students engage in binge drinking. Even though college-aged men and women use alcohol in roughly equal numbers, binge drinking is still more common among young men.

Why do so many young men binge drink? Psychology, biology, and socialization contribute to this dangerous and potentially addictive behavior. Untreated trauma, anxiety, and depression in young men can result in alcohol abuse and alcoholism.

Key Takeaways

• Binge drinking is defined as a pattern of heavy drinking that brings the blood alcohol level to 0.08 grams or above.
• College binge drinking statistics show that 35 percent of male college students engage in binge drinking, vs. 31 percent of female students.
• Research shows that alcohol consumption triggers more dopamine in the male brain, which may contribute to men’s higher risk of developing problematic alcohol use. 
• Binge drinking in college can lead to an alcohol use disorder that requires treatment.

What Is Binge Drinking?

Binge drinking is defined as a pattern of excessive alcohol consumption that brings the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08 grams or above. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines binge drinking behavior slightly differently for males and females.

For males, binge drinking is defined as drinking five or more drinks on the same occasion on at least 1 day in the past 30 days. Binge drinking in females is defined as drinking four or more drinks on the same occasion on at least 1 day in the past 30 days. Extreme binge drinking is about twice that amount of alcohol consumption—eight or more drinks.

Alcohol Abuse Stats for Young Men and Binge Drinking

Rates of alcohol abuse among young women have been rising rapidly—to the point that they are nearly equivalent to alcohol abuse stats for young men. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that 51 percent of male college students used alcohol, compared to 53 percent of female students.

But males are still more likely to binge drink, although the gap is narrowing among young adults. SAMHSA’s college binge drinking statistics show that 35 percent of male college students engage in binge drinking, vs. 31 percent of female students. This includes LGBTQ men, who drink at about the same rates as their straight, cisgender male peers, SAMHSA research shows.

In addition, men continue to binge drink into their mid- and even late 20s. Among adults of all ages, binge drinking is twice as common in men as in women, the CDC reports.

Why Do Men Binge Drink More Than Women?

Why are men more likely to engage in excessive alcohol use? Here are some of the reasons.

Starting alcohol use early: Problems with young men and binge drinking often start in adolescence. Over time, teen boys develop a tolerance for alcohol. By the time they enter college, they’re able to consume it in high amounts.

Lower perception of risk and higher vulnerability to peer pressure: Research shows that males perceive substance use as less dangerous than females do, and are also more susceptible to peer influence to drink and use drugs.

Social acceptance of male drinking: In addition, problematic alcohol-related behaviors such as binge drinking are seen as socially acceptable for teen boys. They are even considered “masculine” by parents, peers, and society in general.

Biological factors: Research shows that alcohol consumption triggers a larger dopamine release in the male brain. This may contribute to male binge drinking and to men’s higher risk of developing alcohol dependence. 

Self-medication for depression and anxiety: Men may use alcohol as an unhealthy coping mechanism for mental health problems more than women do. That’s because they generally feel less comfortable talking about their emotions or seeking help.

Male Binge Drinking and Mental Health

While girls are encouraged to talk about their feelings, boys are still socialized to be “tough” and told to “man up” when they express vulnerability or self-doubt. As a result, young men who are suffering from trauma, depression, anxiety, or other common male mental health disorders often turn to alcohol and substance abuse. They choose to numb the pain rather than talking about it with loved ones or seeking treatment.

Furthermore, studies show that young adult men increase their binge drinking behavior when they have experienced traumatic events such as 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina—even years after the event. As a result, young men may be more likely to develop PTSD-related binge drinking habits in the wake of trauma or stress.

Moreover, drinking as a way to deal to stress or emotional challenges increases the likelihood that a young adult will develop alcohol dependence or an addiction to alcohol. That’s why it’s so important that young adults learn how to stop binge drinking. Here are some tips for how to drink less in college.

The Dangers of Binge Drinking

One of the biggest risks of young adult binge drinking is alcohol poisoning. The body absorbs ethanol, the active ingredient in alcoholic drinks, faster than proteins, carbohydrates, or fats—it takes the body about an hour to process alcohol through the liver, notes the Mayo Clinic. This means that consuming four or five drinks in an hour gives the body more ethanol than it can handle, slowing nervous system function.

Consequently, the effects of binge drinking can include problems with muscle coordination, thought processes, heart rate, and breathing. Here are some additional reasons why binge drinking for men is dangerous:

• Cognitive impairments, such as problems with memory and learning
• Accidental injuries, including falls and drowning
• Drunk driving, leading to motor vehicle accidents
• Unprotected sex/sexually transmitted diseases
• Physical fighting
• Legal problems as a result of risky behavior and underage drinking
• Suicidal behavior.

In the long-term, excessive alcohol intake can lead to liver disease and other chronic diseases.

13 Warning Signs of Alcohol Abuse in Men

There are both physical and mental alcoholism symptoms in men, including:

1. Performing poorly in school or at work
2. Neglecting favorite activities or hobbies
3. Drinking in dangerous situations, such as when driving
4. Weight changes
5. Hanging out with a new group of friends and abandoning old friendships
6. Becoming angry or violent when drinking
7. Being unable to stop drinking even though it’s causing problems with relationships and daily life
8. Lethargy and fatigue
9. Sudden mood swings or personality changes
10. Periods of depression
11. Blacking out after a night of drinking
12. Experiencing higher tolerance of alcohol and withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
13. Inability to limit alcohol consumption.

Because young men may binge drink only on weekends or at parties, they may not realize that their drinking is becoming a problem. It is possible to develop alcohol dependence even when you don’t drink on a daily basis.

Learn the 11 criteria that mental health professionals consider when diagnosing alcohol use disorder. 

Treatment for Male Alcohol Abuse at Newport Institute

It’s extremely difficult for young men to stop binge drinking if they have developed an alcohol dependence. The first step in At Newport Institute, we address the underlying trauma and attachment wounds that manifest as anxiety, depression, and co-occurring disorders such as alcohol use disorder. Therefore, our treatment approach for alcoholism symptoms in men goes beneath these symptoms to reveal the root causes of maladaptive behaviors like binge drinking.

Our team of experts utilizes a variety of clinical, experiential, and academic/life skills modalities to help teens build self-knowledge and healthy ways of coping. In our gender-specific environments, young men cultivate positive peer and mentor relationships, and speak honestly and openly about their struggles.

If you or someone you love is engaging in binge drinking or exhibiting other signs of alcohol use disorder, Newport Institute can help. Contact us today to learn more about how we guide young adults to sustainable healing.

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