According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the rate of heavy drinking is approximately:

• A. 1-2%
• B. 6-7%
• C. 10-12%
• D. 20-25%

Answer: (B)

Heavy drinking in NSDUH terms refers to a pattern of repeatedly consuming large amounts of alcohol on multiple occasions within the past month, a more persistent pattern than a single binge episode. In 2018, about 6 to 7 percent of people aged 12 and older reported this heavy drinking pattern in the past month. That makes the 6–7% range the best match for the question. This rate is smaller than typical binge-drinking prevalence, reflecting a more sustained high-risk use. The other ranges (1–2%, 10–12%, 20–25%) either understate or overstate the prevalence for this heavier, more frequent pattern. In clinical practice, recognizing heavy drinking helps identify individuals at higher risk for alcohol-related health problems and warrants targeted intervention.