Episodes of binge drinking, defined as having five or more drinks in a sitting, increased 17 percent among all adults between 1993 and 2001, and shot up 56 percent among 18- to 20-year-olds.
Adults age 21 to 25 went on drinking binges an average of 18 times in 2001, according to CDC. Those ages 18 to 20 did so an average of 15 times. The legal drinking age in the United States is 21.
Here are a few tips on how you can prevent binge drinking in your young adult.
- If they are under the legal drinking age, don't allow drinking in
- your home.
- Model responsible behavior for drinking. If you binge drink, chances are your young adult will also.
- Offer alternatives. People who are active in their community, church or other organizations tend not to have the time to 'pound a few'.
- Remind them of the consequences.
Related Parenting Quiz: Are you raising a healthy teen?
