Wisconsin Among States Most Likely to Binge Drink During Labor Day Weekend
Revealed: Wisconsin is amongst the states most likely to binge drink during Labor Day weekend – expert advice on raising a glass responsibly
- A new analysis reveals the states most prone to binge drinking ahead of the national holiday – and it’s bad news for Wisconsin
- The study analyses CDC and MHA data to rank the states that are most likely to binge drink during the long weekend
- North Dakota and Iowa are big drinkers, whereas Utah residents are more likely to choose soda over spirits
- An industry expert offers advice on avoiding binge drinking during public holidays
New analysis of health data reveals that North Dakota is the most likely to drink alcohol excessively this Labor Day weekend, as the most and least boozy states are revealed.
The study by leading addiction treatment facility Origins Recovery reviews CDC and Mental Health America data to rank the states at risk of binge drinking based on admitted habits – and therefore needing extra support this weekend.
‘Binge’ drinking refers to consuming four or more drinks (for women) or five or more drinks (men) on one occasion in the past 30 days, and ‘heavy’ drinking describes eight or more drinks (for women) or 15 or more drinks (for men) per week.
Drinking alcohol, even moderately, can have immediate effects on your brain and behavior. It directly impacts your central nervous system, leading to impaired judgment, and can cause blackouts or alcohol poisoning in extreme cases.
Labor Day celebrations can involve heavy drinking, as the holiday also marks the end of the summer, leading many Americans to organise boozy BBQs or beach trips.
Celebrators in North Dakota need to be particularly cautious, as data reveals the region has the highest percentage of adults who binge or heavy drink, as 23.9% of the population reported excessive drinking – nearly a quarter of the population.
This is significantly higher than the national average of 18.4%, with one in five of the state’s drinkers putting their health at risk when consuming alcohol.
Montana takes second place, with almost a quarter (23.4%) of its population admitting to overconsuming alcohol weekly – 27% higher than the national average.
22.6% of Iowa residents report binge or heavy drinking, which is 23% higher than the national average, landing the state in third place.
Wisconsin is the fourth most overconsumption- prone state, with 21.6% of its population drinking excessively, 17% higher than the national average.
Wisconsin is followed closely by Minnesota, with 21.2% of the population reporting binge drinking habits, 15% higher than the national average.
Minnesota is one of the most expensive states for residents to binge drink in, with an overconsumer expected to pay at least $105 per week for alcohol. This number is likely to increase on a special occasion like a public holiday, meaning many Minnesota residents may need extra support from their loved ones this weekend to drink responsibly.
One-fifth (20.7%) of Colorado citizens overconsume alcohol regularly, ranking the state sixth. Colorado residents spend an eye-watering $112.50 per week on alcohol, with 13% more binge drinkers in the state than the national average.
In seventh and eighth, Vermont and Nebraska each report that 20.5% of their respective populations drink beyond the recommended amount, which makes both states 11% more likely to binge drink during Labor Day weekend than the average American (18.4%).
In ninth, 20.3% of South Dakota residents overconsume alcohol weekly, which indicates a 10% higher rate of binge drinking than the national average.
Meanwhile, Missouri rounds out the top ten, reporting one-fifth of residents (20.2%) as heavy drinkers. This figure also equates to 10% more binge drinkers than the national average, suggesting that Labor Day jubilations may prompt bad habits amongst those celebrating.
The ten states with the highest percentage of binge-drinking residents
|
|
State
|
Percentage of Adults Who Reported Weekly Binge or Heavy Drinking
|
Weekly Cost of Binge Drinking
|
|
1
|
North Dakota
|
23.9%
|
$81.75
|
|
2
|
Montana
|
23.4%
|
$90.00
|
|
3
|
Iowa
|
22.6%
|
$71.25
|
|
4
|
Wisconsin
|
21.6%
|
$78.75
|
|
5
|
Minnesota
|
21.2%
|
$105.00
|
|
6
|
Colorado
|
20.7%
|
$112.50
|
|
7
|
Vermont
|
20.5%
|
$97.50
|
|
8
|
Nebraska
|
20.5%
|
$63.75
|
|
9
|
South Dakota
|
20.3%
|
$63.75
|
|
10
|
Missouri
|
20.2%
|
$90.00
|
Despite not ranking in the top ten, Oregon (20.1%) and Wyoming (20%) report that at least one in five residents routinely binge alcohol.
On the other end of the scale, Utah residents are the most likely to swap their spirits for a soft drink, as only 13.6% of the population reported binge or heavy drinking – significantly lower than the 18.4% average (26% less). Labor Day celebrations in Utah are therefore least likely to be affected by unsafe overconsumption.
Kentucky is the state with the second-lowest rate of heavy drinking, with 13.8% of its residents drinking in excess, and Alabama is close behind with 14.1% of residents reporting binging weekly.
Oklahoma and West Virginia round out the bottom five states, with 14.4% and 14.5% of residents admitting to heavy drinking.
The ten states with the lowest percentage of binge-drinking residents
|
|
State
|
Percentage of Adults Who Reported Weekly Binge or Heavy Drinking
|
|
1
|
Utah
|
13.6%
|
|
2
|
Kentucky
|
13.8%
|
|
3
|
Alabama
|
14.1%
|
|
4
|
Oklahoma
|
14.4%
|
|
5
|
West Virginia
|
14.5%
|
|
6
|
Maryland
|
14.7%
|
|
7
|
Mississippi
|
15.1%
|
|
8
|
Delaware
|
15.2%
|
|
8
|
Georgia
|
15.7%
|
|
10
|
Indiana
|
15.8%
|
Speaking on the findings, a spokesperson from Origins Recovery said: “National holidays can be a particularly challenging time for anyone struggling with their relationship with alcohol. Labor Day weekend can be a difficult event to navigate if you’re steering away from alcohol, but there are some great ways to avoid unnecessary overconsumption.
“Alcohol-free beers, ciders, and spirits are commonplace behind most bars and make great alternatives for revelers practicing sobriety. Mocktails are also good fun if you’re looking for a treat and they’re usually budget-friendly. Having a sobriety partner is also helpful as it can stop you feeling isolated when attending a Labor Day party or barbeque.
“Driving with a friend to a function is also a good idea, as it encourages you both to avoid the liquor to make it home. You should never be made to feel uncomfortable for not drinking, but if you’re worried about being questioned, opt for a soda or cranberry juice, as it’s visually impossible to tell if there’s a spirit in your drink.
“If you’re going to drink alcohol, try to have a small glass of water between each alcoholic beverage to reduce the amount of alcohol you consume. Ensure you’re eating enough before and afterwards, buy your own drinks to keep track of them, and set yourself a strict limit before you go out. If you notice a dependency on alcohol, it might be time to rethink your drinking habits, and seek help.”
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
