Study Finds Young Women 18-25 Now Binge Drink More Than Male Peers

Study Finds Young Women 18-25 Now Binge Drink More Than Male Peers

Young women ages 18 to 25 are now binge drinking more than men their age, reversing past trends, according to a new JAMA study.

“That has big implications just for health down the line … [including] the progression to alcohol related liver disease,” said lead author Dr. Bryant Shuey.

Binge drinking is defined as four or more drinks for women in one sitting. Using national survey data, researchers found young women surpassed men in binge drinking from 2021–2023.

While older men still drink more, Shuey said, “We need more education around the harms of alcohol use and how the same amount can pose greater health risks for women than men.” Cultural shifts, marketing, and professional pressures may be driving this change.

“Screening should be a standardized process in all clinical encounters,” he added. Shuey hopes the findings prompt more awareness and notes even brief interventions can reduce alcohol use by up to 30%.

 

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