Community United to Reduce Bingeing (CURB)

What is Binge Drinking?

Binge drinking is 5 drinks in 2 hours for the average male and 4 drinks in 2 hours for females. Of course, these numbers can vary based on an individual’s weight and tolerance for alcoholic beverages. A recent survey of Santa Cruz teens revealed that most consider binge drinking well above the 4 to 5 drink definition.

Just the Facts:

46 percent of Santa Cruz teens admit to binge drinking in the last 30 days. 66 percent admit to bingeing in the last 12 months. Source: Project Curb Survey.

Santa Cruz County ranks in the top ten overall for teen alcohol use in the State (CHKS 2004).

7th, 9th, and 11th graders in Santa Cruz County show an increase in drug and alcohol abuse (CHKS 2004).

Binge drinking is a leading factor in teen deaths and sexual assault in Santa Cruz County.

Young people who were exposed to alcohol ads drank more than those who saw very few ads (Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine).

77 percent of Santa Cruz County teens admitted that it was easy to obtain alcohol. Source: Project Curb Survey.

40 percent of teens reported being hurt or injured because of drinking during the last year. Source: Project Curb Survey.

60 percent of Santa Cruz youth have ridden in a car with someone who has been drinking during the past year. Source: Project Curb Survey.