But among the Irish, the rate of binge drinking was sharply higher: 9 percent, compared with 0.5 percent in France. </p><p>(A binge was defined as five drinks or more at least one day a week.)</p><p>The scientists followed the men for 10 years. </p><p>After controlling for smoking, cholesterol levels, blood pressure and other risks, they found that compared with regular drinkers, both binge drinke