While many people believe they are safe with the amount of alcohol they consume, new data shows that binge drinking is more common than previously thought.
This Labor Day weekend, many people will be celebrating the unofficial end of summer with alcohol. The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control said sales go up almost 25 percent this time of year, and they want to remind the public to drink responsibly.
The latest report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows some alarming trends when it comes to binge drinking, and it doesn't bode well for women.
Statistics show women are catching up to men in what's becoming an increasingly dangerous activity. For men, binge drinking means downing at least five drinks at one time. For women, it's four drinks.
Another big concern for Utah health leaders is that on average, one in eight women binge drink at least three times a month. Health experts said binge drinking can increase a woman's chance of getting breast cancer, heart disease and sexually transmitted diseases.
Utah health leaders said excessive drinking also costs Utahns $1.4 billion. They said the costs come from losses in workplace productivity, health care expenses and other costs due to a combination of criminal justice expenses, motor vehicle crash costs and property damage.
More information: Binge Drinking Study
