Here are some key points about chronic heavy drinking. More detail information is in the main article.

Excessive alcohol use is the fourth leading preventable cause of death in the United States. In 2010-2012, around 38 million American adults said they binge drink on average four times a month, drinking an average of eight drinks per session.

The definition of heavy drinking is consuming eight drinks or more per week for women, and 15 or more for men.

Any alcohol consumed by pregnant women is excessive use.

Alcohol consumption is associated with violent crime.

People who begin drinking before the age of 15 years are five times more likely to become dependent on alcohol than those who begin drinking at or after the age of 21 years.