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New CDC report tallies cost of binge drinking

Category: Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Binge drinking may be a bigger problem in the U.S. than previously thought, and the issue may contribute to a high prevalence of positive STD tests, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The report states that about 38 million American adults binge drinks about four times each month. That figure represents about one-sixth of all adults in the U.S. For the purposes of the report, binge drinking was defined as consuming four or more drinks for females and five or more for males within a short period of time.

Aside from the more obvious consequences of binge drinking, which may include drunk driving accidents, liver damage and crime, the report points out that it has also been linked to a higher prevalence of positive STD tests.

When the final tally of expenses related to binge drinking is taken, the cost comes to a total of $223.5 billion, the report states. This cost accounts for productivity losses, healthcare costs, crime and other expenses.

CDC officials said that the best way for individuals to avoid the negative consequences that come along with binge drinking is simply to avoid the practice entirely.