Binge drinking contributes to problems experienced by others.

The consequences of binge drinking are experienced by other people in addition to the drinkers themselves. Similarly to the concept of "secondhand smoke" from tobacco, the behavior of drinkers directly and indirectly impacts the health and well-being of those around them. Secondhand effects of binge drinking include disruption of sleep or study; property damage; verbal, physical, sexual and domestic violence; and motor vehicle crashes (NIAAA, 2000; Wechsler et al., 1995b; 2001b).

Secondhand effects of binge drinking are common on college campuses. A strong relationship exists between rates of binge drinking on campus and rates of problems experienced by students that are caused by other students’ drinking. Alcohol-related problems resulting from student binge drinking also frequently spill into communities surrounding campuses, resulting in problems such as noise disturbances, vandalism, and frequent police calls (Wechsler et al., 2002a; 1995b).