If you watch too many movies, you might think that the favorite drink of the binge drinkers is spirits. But a new research shows that this may be what teens prefer; American adults are more likely to have a beer can in hand than a shot glass.
These 'mythbusters' are the result of two researches made by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Access seems to be the key word. Beer is cheaper and easy to find, in gas stations and grocery stores. But for teens, it's easier
to filch free booze from the liquor cupboards.
Binge drinking is harmful for health and public safety. Over 75,000 annual deaths determined by car crashes and violence are linked to alcohol consumption.
The investigation of adult binge drinkers, made on 14,000 persons, revealed that almost 75 % drink mainly or exclusively beer, 17 % liquor, while 9 % prefer wine. Binge drinkers were considered those who had five or more alcoholic drinks at least once per month. 15 % of the American adults fit that profile and the majority are men.
"This is behavior that is common. It boils down to drinking to get drunk," said lead author Dr. Timothy Naimi.
Researchers also focused on a variety of drinking, like a few after-work beers, a cocktail before dinner and wine with dinner. Beer represented 67 % of binge drinks, liquor 22 % and wine 11 %. Indeed, beer represents about 55 % of the alcohol sold in the US.
"Because of a governmental focus on the dangers of liquor, beer is generally less expensive, and easier to get." said Naimi.
"The volume of beer advertising on television is also a factor. If you watch a commercial during any NCAA championship, or the big sporting events, beer is promoted heavily," said Gail DiSabatino, vice president for student affairs at Clemson University.
A 2005 survey for public high school students in Arkansas, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming, based on about 4,000 responses, revealed that liquor was the favorite booze among teens who reported binge drinking. In Arkansas, liquor represented 49 % of binge drinks, followed by beer, malt beverages, wine and wine coolers. Spirits were also a favorite choice in Wyoming and New Mexico. In Nebraska, liquor and beer drinking were virtually connected.
"Because the study was smaller and more geographically limited, it's difficult to equate it with the national study of adults." said DiSabatino.
"It may be easier to snatch drinks from a liquor cabinet than beers from the fridge. It might not be as noticed," believes DiSabatino.
"Liquor can be easier to conceal from parents, mixed in a cup with juice or soda. It's also more potent," said co-author Jennifer Cremeens.
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