High-intensity drinking (HID), which involves consuming ten or more alcoholic drinks on a single occasion, is a critical issue that impacts the health, safety, and future of young adults. While binge drinking is a widely recognised problem, high-intensity drinking introduces an even higher level of risk to individuals and communities. Despite the portrayal of drinking as a typical part of young adulthood, especially in university settings, the consequences of HID are far-reaching and severe.

What Is High-Intensity Drinking?

High-intensity drinking exceeds standard binge drinking, typically defined as consuming five or more drinks within two hours. HID specifically refers to consuming ten or more drinks on one occasion, often to dangerous levels that far exceed the body’s capacity to process alcohol. Certain demographics experience disproportionate impacts from this excessive alcohol consumption, which leads to numerous adverse outcomes.

High-Intensity Drinking Among College Students and Non-College Young Adults

HID disproportionately impacts young adults, particularly those between the ages of 18 and 25. Research indicates that approximately 14% of young adults in a surveyed sample reported HID in the past month. While university students are often perceived as the demographic most likely to engage in risky drinking behaviours, research reveals that non-college young adults experience similar rates of HID. However, university students often face additional social and environmental factors that may encourage excessive alcohol consumption.

Key Factors Influencing High-Intensity Drinking

Several demographic, behavioural, and mental health-related factors increase the likelihood of high-intensity drinking among young adults:

1. Gender Differences
   Men are significantly more likely to engage in HID than women. Masculine norms that glorify risk-taking and competitiveness often contribute to this trend. Addressing these societal pressures may help reduce the prevalence of HID among men.
2. Substance Use
   HID is often linked with the use of other substances, such as marijuana and prescription drugs. Simultaneous use of alcohol and marijuana (SAM) among young adults, for example, increases the likelihood of HID and is associated with severe risks, including blackouts and impaired decision-making. Prescription drug misuse, particularly stimulants and sedatives, is also tied to HID, further compounding its dangers. According to Verywell Health, “High-intensity drinkers are more likely to do risky things that they would not otherwise consider, which leads to trouble.”
3. Perceived Risk of Harm
   Many young adults underestimate the dangers of heavy drinking. A significant proportion of those who engage in HID perceive little to no harm from consuming five or more drinks regularly. This lack of awareness perpetuates high-risk behaviours and normalises excessive alcohol consumption.
4. Early Alcohol Initiation
   Initiating alcohol use before the age of 14 has been shown to increase the likelihood of engaging in HID later in life. Early exposure to alcohol often establishes patterns of misuse that persist into young adulthood.
5. Mental Well-Being
   Mental health challenges, such as depression, increase HID rates. While mental well-being does not significantly reduce HID, psychological distress often correlates with increased drinking among young adults. HID is especially concerning for younger individuals, as highlighted in PMC: “High-intensity drinking is particularly dangerous for teens, whose brains are still developing and who may be more vulnerable to developing alcohol use disorder.”

Consequences of High-Intensity Drinking

The repercussions of HID are severe and extend beyond the immediate effects of excessive alcohol consumption.

• Physical and Cognitive Impairment
  Consuming large quantities of alcohol at once puts immense strain on the body and brain. HID causes blackouts, alcohol poisoning, cognitive impairments, and even long-term brain structure damage. Over time, these effects can accumulate, increasing the risk of dementia and other neurological conditions.
• Alcohol Use Disorder
  Young adults who engage in HID are three times more likely to develop alcohol use disorder compared to those who binge drink at lower levels. Among 18-year-olds who reported HID, an alarming 83% met the criteria for alcohol use disorder.
• Impacts on Social and Academic Life
  High-intensity drinking can lead to a range of social and academic problems. These include difficulties in maintaining relationships, falling behind in studies, and an increased likelihood of risky sexual behaviours and injuries.
• Occupational and Relational Issues
  Young adults who engage in HID miss work, damage professional opportunities, and strain key relationships. Relational problems, including breakups, further exacerbate HID in many cases, creating a destructive cycle.

Demographic Insights on High-Intensity Drinking

Studies provide insight into the demographics most likely to engage in HID. White young adults, for example, are more likely to participate in HID compared to young adults from other racial or ethnic groups. Additionally, sexual minority women—such as lesbian and bisexual women—have demonstrated higher rates of HID than their heterosexual counterparts. Understanding these trends is essential for creating targeted approaches to address excessive alcohol consumption within specific communities.

Furthermore, university students not living with their parents and those who pursue four-year degrees are at an elevated risk of HID. The pressures and independence associated with university life often create an environment where risky drinking behaviours flourish. The prevalence of HID among individuals in the mid-20s who hold four-year degrees underscores the lasting impact of early drinking habits formed during university years.

The fight against high-intensity drinking requires a collective effort to address the root causes and dismantle the norms that perpetuate substance abuse. Educating young adults about the severe consequences of HID, promoting healthier lifestyles, and actively supporting those at risk are critical steps towards creating safer communities. HID is not a harmless phase or rite of passage—it is a dangerous behaviour with life-altering consequences, both in the present and the future. It is imperative to challenge societal acceptance of excessive drinking and foster environments that encourage responsible choices and overall well-being.

Source: TandFonline