Comments on: Researchers Target Beer As Binge Drink of Choice

By: paul

paul — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 18:10:12 +0000

Well said J. I totally agree. I found an interesting definition of binge drinking on the CDCs website: http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/quickstats/binge_drinking.htm

I also wrote a few thoughts about the ramifications of this definition here: http://www.strongale.org/?q=node/96

By: Rick

Rick — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 23:58:49 +0000

Thank you J – that was wonderfully stated. I’ve been looking more and more at this madness as more and more news outlets carry it… it is simply crazy-making. Our media is too lazy to ask questions and when pieces like this get passed on they seem to be sent to print without consideration or a second thought… and “binge drinker” – what a crazy and misleading label.

By: Justin Davis

Justin Davis — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 23:50:15 +0000

You’re square on target, in my opinion. I posted about this same article on my blog (www.davisondraft.com/blog) today as well and had the exact same reaction.

In a time when the fragile beer market is trying so hard to redefine its image and elevate its stature, it’s a shame to see something like this that, as you point out, only gives more fuel to the neo-prohibitionists out there.

I’m with you on the definition. I also find it greatly insulting that if I enjoy a series of well crafted beers among responsible company, I’m labeled as a binge drinker.

Take for example a Belgian beer tasting I attended a month or so ago. Five Belgian beers paired with a five course meal over a period of several hours. Am I really a binge drinker for this? Or take for example homebrewers at a brewday or meeting. Getting together to discuss the art of craft beer and the subtleties of style over an afternoon of tasting shouldn’t label me as a binge drinker. According to the CDC however, I suppose I am.

Thanks for the great post Jay.