by David J. Hanson

About the author: David J. Hanson is a professor of sociology at the State University of New York at Potsdam and the author of Alcohol Education and Preventing Alcohol Abuse.

To most people, binge drinking brings to mind a self-destructive and unrestrained drinking bout lasting for at least a couple of days during which time the heavily intoxicated drinker “drops out” by not working, ignoring responsibilities, squandering money, and engaging in other harmful behaviors such as fighting. This view is consistent with that portrayed in dictionary definitions, in literature, in art, and in plays or films such as the classic Come Back Little Sheba and The Lost Weekend or the recent Leaving Las Vegas.

It is also consistent with the usage of physicians...