Updated: September 2024

Author: Division of Substance Use Programs, Vermont Department of Health

Young adults aged 18-24 are more likely to have an episode of binge drinking, defined as five or more drinks in one occasion for men and four or more for women, than any other age group.  Alcohol use among Vermont adults (18+) is statistically higher than the US (NSDUH).

The Vermont Department of Health supports college age youth through community-based, environmental, and individual prevention programs aimed at reduction of binge drinking, cannabis and substance use, early intervention and prevention through our work with the colleges across the state through the College Coalition. Participation from colleges across the state around common concerns and challenges many colleges are experiencing. Every other month, we are meeting with colleges across the state to talk about their substance use interventions and assessments to coordinate a better system of care and institute best practices for assessing substance use.   In addition to our work with colleges, VDH also supports environmental and individual prevention strategies and programs through our Regional Prevention Partnerships (RPP) statewide grants, the Division of Substance Use Programs Prevention Consultant program, and statewide media campaigns.

• Community Coalitions
• Municipalities
• Retailers
• Schools and Colleges
• Law Enforcement
• Policymakers

A comprehensive approach using multiple evidence-based programs, practices, and policies such as those listed in the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP) or recommended by The Community Guide. These include programs serving individuals, as well as community-wide strategies such as media advocacy and community education.

There is research that indicates policy changes, such as increased taxes on alcohol products, decreases use.

The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) data is collected annually and is updated as it becomes available (timing may vary).

Binge Drinking is defined differently for males and females:

• Males: 5 or more drinks on one occasion
• Females: 4 or more drinks on one occasion

This indicator is age-adjusted to the 2000 U.S. standard population. In U.S. data, age adjustment is used for comparison of regions with varying age breakdowns. For more detailed information on age adjustment read the CDC's Statistical Notes.

Due to BRFSS weighting methodology changes beginning in 2011, comparisons between data collected in 2011 and later and that from 2010 and earlier should be made with caution. Differences between data from 2011 forward and earlier years may be due to methodological changes, rather than changes in opinion or behavior.

For more information on the BRFSS survey, visit the Vermont Department of Health's BRFSS page.