MIAMI -- Binge drinking is not just for college students anymore.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly three-fourths of binge drinking episodes involve adults over the age of 26, and more than 30 million American adults binge drink on an average of four times a month.
While the majority of binge drinkers are not alcoholics, the effects on health and mortality are causes for concern.
"Before, what we looked at in alcohol research was alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse, but now we're looking at something much more subtle and it's called risk drinking," said Dr. Daniel Bober, a psychiatrist and addiction specialist.
For men, at risk or binge drinking means more than four drinks in one sitting, or more than 14 drinks per week.
For women, it means more than three drinks in one sitting, or more than seven drinks per week.
"Everyone is looking for an escape. Everyone is looking for a quick fix. They're looking for a way to just tune out and not have to deal with life and have a different reality," said Dr. Bober.
Gloria started binge drinking in her 30s as an escape from a difficult divorce.
"I thought I had a handle on it and I didn't," she said.
By the time she married a second time, she said her binge drinking had evolved into alcoholism.
"I probably walked down the aisle totally wasted but I didn't think anybody knew and of course they did," Gloria added.
Women suffer greater health consequences from binge drinking than men.
Because women have more fat and metabolize alcohol differently, they have an increased risk of developing alcohol-related diseases, including neurologic damage, liver disease, high blood pressure, and being more at risk to heart attacks and strokes.
"Additionally, in women, even one glass of wine increases the risk of breast cancer 10 percent for every glass of wine," said Dr. Bober.
Dr. Bober said if binge drinking becomes repetitive or interferes with work and relationships, it's time to seek help.
Alcoholics Anonymous has helped Gloria stay sober for 24 years. She cautions others about the risk of binge drinking.
"It's a slow mover and it gets you every time," said Gloria.