The current NIAAA (2004) definition has provided a structure for binge drinking, but scientific and clinical assessments would benefit from the formation of a definition that facilitates comparison among studies. Given the findings outlined above, this definition should encompass three factors: alcohol quantity consumed, time-frame of consumption, and time period of past binging episodes. A definition of binge drinking that integrates these issues is as follows: A pattern of drinking alcohol that brings BAC to 0.08 gram percent or above (≥5/4 for men/women in 2 hr) on more than one occasion within the past 6 months. This definition (1) is operational in structure, (2) delimits consumption amount and time-frame (taking into account gender), and (3) specifies a time period that encompasses individual variation.
