Prevention programs aimed at reducing drinking-related problems might be better targeted toward binge drinkers than those who are alcoholics or alcohol dependent, according to researchers in New Mexico. They found that it's not the alcoholics, but the occasional binge drinkers who have a greater risk of alcohol-related injuries and social harm.

"We found that in New Mexico, most excessive drinkers are not alcohol dependent," said study author Jim Roeber, in a news release, "and that binge drinking is the most prevalent form of excessive drinking." More specifically, 16.5 percent of 4,761 New Mexico adults were considered "excessive drinkers," but only 1.8 percent of them met criteria for alcohol dependence. The authors conclude that in order to prevent most alcohol-related problems, including alcoholism itself, prevention needs to focus on excessive drinking, not just alcoholism.

More About Binge Drinking:

• Excessive Drinking, Not Alcoholism, May Lead to Most Alcohol-Related Problems
  
• Binge Drinkers Have Highest Risk of Injury
  
• Binge Drinking Dangers
  
• Top Myths About Drinking Alcohol

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