According to a survey by InsiderMonkey, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has once again earned the title of the city with the highest rate of excessive drinking in America, standing at 24.6 percent. For the third year in a row, Milwaukee has claimed the unfortunate distinction of being the city with the highest rate of alcoholism in the United States.
According to the CDC, excessive alcohol use encompasses binge drinking, heavy drinking, and any alcohol consumption by pregnant women or individuals under 21 years old. The high rate of excessive drinking in Milwaukee has sparked concerns regarding the health and social consequences of alcohol consumption in the city.
Wisconsin’s alcohol tax rates play a significant role in making alcohol more affordable within the state, resulting in lower retail and wholesale prices compared to other regions. This level of accessibility may be a contributing factor to the high rates of excessive drinking in Milwaukee and throughout Wisconsin.
InsiderMonkey’s survey also revealed that Minneapolis, Boston, and Chicago are among the cities with high rates of excessive drinking. In addition to colder states like Wisconsin, there are also warmer cities that rank among the top 10 drunkest cities in America.
The economic impact of excessive drinking in the United States is significant, with reported costs reaching nearly $250 billion in 2010. Excessive drinking, particularly binge drinking, contributes significantly to these costs. This underscores the importance of implementing strategies to curb excessive drinking, such as raising alcohol excise taxes and implementing restrictions on alcohol outlet density.
Alcohol consumption has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, as sales of alcohol saw a significant increase during the lockdowns in 2020. The recent changes in alcohol laws in several states have resulted in a significant increase in the availability of alcohol, both in physical stores and online.
Pharmaceutical treatments like naltrexone provide individuals with a viable solution to address their alcohol use disorder and seek assistance for their drinking habits. Nevertheless, companies such as Mallinckrodt plc, which produce these medications, have encountered controversy and legal obstacles due to their involvement in the opioid crisis.
Workplace drinking culture also has an impact on alcohol consumption, and companies like Salesforce are making efforts to discourage excessive drinking among employees. Employee-led resource groups, like Soberforce, offer assistance to individuals facing addiction and strive to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction in the workplace.
In cities like Milwaukee, the ongoing issue of excessive drinking emphasises the importance of implementing comprehensive strategies to tackle alcohol-related harm and encourage healthier behaviours in communities.