Published online Nov 28, 2015. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i27.2703
Peer-review started: May 4, 2015
First decision: October 21, 2015
Revised: October 26, 2015
Accepted: November 10, 2015
Article in press: November 11, 2015
Published online: November 28, 2015
Processing time: 213 Days and 17.7 Hours
The consumption of alcoholic beverages is harmful to human health. In recent years, consumption patterns of alcoholic beverages have changed in our society, and binge drinking has generalized. It is considered to be a socio-sanitary problem with few known consequences in terms of individual and third-party social impacts (in the form of violence or traffic accidents) and its organic impact (affects the liver and other organs and systems, such as the nervous and cardiovascular systems) and represents an important financial burden due to its increasing economic impact. This review provides a global approach to binge drinking and emphasizes its epidemiological character, the effect of this type of consumption and the possible management of a problem with an increasing tendency in our society.
Core tip: Binge drinking is an alcohol consumption conduct that is primarily performed during the weekend by 24% of teenagers and young adults. Although the consequences of this habit are not well known, they have a social and organic impact on individuals. Binge drinking is considered to be a public health issue that should be addressed with primary prevention programs and a comprehensive intervention of the problem.