Oral

Binge drinking has emerged as a significant subset of alcohol abusers. The popular culture depicts binge drinkers as predominantly college-age youths at weekend parties or during spring break. While this depiction is clearly true, it may only provide a partial picture of the actual situation. From a public health perspective, an evidence-based description of binge drinking is required. The speakers for this session will provide information covering the demographics and other social characteristics of binge drinkers, along with the interactions between binge drinking and driving, and binge drinking and tobacco use. Implications for public policy will be presented in order to stem the tide of this increasingly prominent substance abuse issue.

Session Objectives: Describe the characteristics of binge drinkers. Discuss the interaction between binge drinking and driving. Discuss the interactions between binge drinking and use of tobacco products.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)