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What is a key characteristic of binge drinking according to the NIAAA?
Drinking any amount of wine
Achieving a BAC of greater than 0.08
Drinking alcohol on a daily basis
Limiting consumption to weekends only
The correct answer is: Achieving a BAC of greater than 0.08
Binge drinking is defined by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) as a pattern of consuming alcohol that brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels to 0.08 grams per deciliter or higher. This typically occurs after a certain number of drinks are consumed in a short time frame, specifically five or more drinks for men and four or more for women within about two hours. This definition underscores the acute intoxication associated with binge drinking and its associated risks, including impaired judgment, increased likelihood of accidents, and potential for alcohol poisoning. Binge drinking is not characterized by the frequency of drinking or the specific types of alcoholic beverages consumed, making the other options less relevant to this definition.