Alcohol is the most commonly used psychoactive substance during adolescence. Its use is associated with motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and deaths; problems in school and the workplace; and fighting, crime, and other serious consequences. Early onset of binge drinking—defined in this indicator as five or more alcoholic beverages in a row or during a single occasion in the previous 2 weeks—may be especially problematic, potentially increasing the likelihood of these negative outcomes.¹

Indicator BEH2 Percentage of 8th-, 10th-, and 12th-grade students who reported having five or more alcoholic beverages in a row in the past 2 weeks by grade, 2000–2024

• In 2024, binge drinking was reported by 2% of 8th-graders, 5% of 10th-graders, and 9% of 12th-graders.
• From 2020 to 2024, binge drinking declined from 5% to 2% among 8th-graders, from 10% to 5% among 10th-graders, and from 17% to 9% among 12th-graders.
• In 2024, 1% of male and 2% of female 8th-graders reported binge drinking; 4% of male and 5% of female 10th-graders reported binge drinking; and 9% of male and 8% of female 12th-graders reported binge drinking.
• In 2024, 2% of Hispanic; 1% of White, non-Hispanic; and 1% of Black, non-Hispanic 8th-graders reported binge drinking. Among 10th-graders, 6% of White, non-Hispanic; 4% of Hispanic; and 3% of Black, non-Hispanic students reported binge drinking. Among 12th-graders, 11% of White, non-Hispanic; 8% of Hispanic; and 3% of Black, non-Hispanic students reported binge drinking.

 BEH2 HTML Table