This document discusses high risk drinking behaviors. It defines different levels of drinking according to the NIAAA, with binge and heavy drinking being considered high risk. High risk drinking can lead to alcohol use disorder and involves behaviors like drinking games, drinking to get drunk, and drinking while driving or medicated. High risk patterns are characterized by frequent and large amounts of alcohol consumed, often developing from a young age within a social system that encourages drinking. Recognizing high risk behaviors and seeking help is important to change this habit.

1. Annie’s House
1601 E 13200 S Draper, UT 84020
385 255 9117
Drinking Profile: Meet
the High Risk Drinkers

2. Annie’s House
1601 E 13200 S Draper, UT 84020
385 255 9117
Drinking Profile: Meet the High Risk Drinkers
The habit of drinking is unique for each individual. Some only drink on special
occasions, while others pour themselves a glass even when they are alone. Some drink
without a limit; others abstain from the alcohol. There are those who drink with caution,
while others find comfort in every glass of scotch.
Levels of Drinking
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), there
are different levels of drinking – binge, heavy, moderate, and low risk. Binge drinking
means having five or more alcoholic beverages in a single day for the past 30 days. Heavy
drinkers have five or more drinks in a span of five days or more. Moderate drinking means
not going over two drinks per day, while low risk drinking means having no more than 3
drinks in a day.
The first two levels of drinking may lead to “high risk drinking”, which can manifest
as early signs of alcohol use disorder.

3. Annie’s House
1601 E 13200 S Draper, UT 84020
385 255 9117
High Risk Behaviors
Being a high risk drinker opens an individual to danger. This can lead to injuries
related to drinking, hospitalization due to alcohol poisoning, and destructive behaviors
causing damage to property.
The behaviors of a high risk drinker may lead to greater levels of intoxication that
may cause harm to the drinker and other people. Most high risk drinkers love to play
drinking games and chug down alcohol in quick succession. They also consume alcohol just
for the sake of getting drunk.
In addition, some high risk drinkers tend to drive even while intoxicated. They go to
parties where there is a limitless amount of alcohol. Some even forego medical
instructions and drink alcohol while on medication or ill.
High Risk Patterns
High risk patterns manifest in the frequency and the amount of alcohol consumed.
Those who drink regularly have a higher tolerance for alcohol and often drink more to
achieve satisfaction. High risk drinkers usually start alcohol consumption at a young age
and develop their tolerance as they grow older.

4. Annie’s House
1601 E 13200 S Draper, UT 84020
385 255 9117
Another factor that contributes to this drinking pattern is being surrounded with a
social support system that tolerates or encourages heavy drinking. Some people give in to
peer pressure during social gatherings.
Many things can go wrong once a person starts developing high risk behaviors and
patterns. The key to let go of this habit is to recognize one’s drinking behavior and seek
professional help immediately.
RESOURCES:
http://annieshouse.com
http://oade.nd.edu/educate-yourself-alcohol/what-is-high-risk-alcohol-use/
http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-
consumption/moderate-binge-drinking