What is binge drinking commonly defined as?

Binge drinking is commonly defined as the act of consuming a large quantity of alcohol in a short period, which typically leads to a state of intoxication. This drinking pattern is characterized by consuming five or more drinks for men, and four or more drinks for women in about two hours. The rapid intake of alcohol can lead to various negative effects, including impairment of judgment, coordination issues, and increased risk of accidents.

It's essential to understand that binge drinking isn't just about the quantity of alcohol consumed. The speed of consumption is also critical; drinking rapidly elevates blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels quickly, causing the body less time to metabolize the alcohol. This pattern can lead to alcohol poisoning and other severe health risks.

In contrast to the other options, which either imply a more moderate approach to drinking or do not explicitly reference the amount or speed of consumption, defining binge drinking in terms of rapid drinking accurately captures this harmful behavior and its associated risks.