The Longman dictionary states that binge can be used as a noun and a verb, but not as an adjective. And so, expressions like:

A drinking binge.

An eating binge.

A buying binge.

Are easy to understand. However, I have recently noticed that the word binge can precede a verb or a noun:

She's been binge drinking after her husband died.

Stress might lead to binge-smoking.

The way I understand it is that when followed by a verb, binge is similar to excessively; And when followed by a noun, it becomes similar to excessive [for a short time, that is]. If I'm wrong with my understanding, then what justifies binge preceding a noun or a verb? Also, what is the difference, if any, between the following two sentences?

Stress might lead to binge-smoking.

Stress might lead to a smoking binge (or to smoking binges).

The Longman dictionary states that binge can be used as a noun and as a verb, but not as an adjective or adverb. And so, expressions like:

A drinking binge.

An eating binge.

A buying binge.

where binge is used as a noun, are easy to understand. However, I have recently noticed that the word binge can precede a verb or a noun:

She's been binge drinking since her husband died.

Stress might lead to binge-smoking.

The way I understand it is that when followed by a verb, binge is similar to excessively; And when followed by a noun, it becomes similar to excessive [for a short time, that is]. If I'm wrong with my understanding, then what justifies binge preceding a noun or a verb? Also, what is the difference, if any, between the following two sentences?

Stress might lead to binge-smoking.

Stress might lead to a smoking binge (or to smoking binges).

And the following two as well:

She tends to binge on smoking when she is upset.

She tends to binge smoke when she is upset.