Some generations of Americans drink less than their previous generations, but according to a newly released annual report, one in six adults is estimated to be a heavy drinker. In some states and counties, data show that a larger portion of the population is prone to excessive drinking.
This is according to the latest county health rankings and roadmap report from the University of Wisconsin Institute for Population Health. The report highlights factors that may affect health outcomes and disparities across the country, and considers a number of data points, including excessive alcohol consumption.
As they had in the past, researchers relied on self-reported excess drinking data for 2022. It is available in 2022 from the Center for Behavioral Risk Factor Monitoring Systems for Disease Control and Prevention.
Bulmicidal (female once, males drink more than five, five people), heavy drinking (8 women per week, males for men), drinking alcohol while pregnant, and drinking underage all qualify as excessive drinking according to the CDC.
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After reviewing the data, researchers found generally positive signs. Wisconsin of their own state removed the rankings. There, 24% self-reported as excessive drinkers, down from previous year’s reports (although the report may have changed the table). It dropped Wisconsin into the fifth state due to excessive drinking.
Montana had the highest self-reported excess drinking rate at 26%. The top five were the District of Columbia, Iowa and North Dakota, tied together at 25%.
California rose from 17% to 20%.
The interactive map below shows the percentage of adults who self-reported excessive drinking in 2022. Check out that rate and last year’s data, clicks or hovering for each state.
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In addition to Wisconsin, four states saw an improvement in excess drinking rates year-over-year. Georgia, Indiana, Kansas and Rhode Island all had a 1-point drop in rates, data shows. Eight states did not record changes.
Utah saw an increase in self-reported excess drinking. This year, it’s still at 14%, but last year it showed a 2-point jump.
Oklahoma, Kentucky, Alabama and West Virginia rounded out the five states with the lowest rates of excess alcohol consumption.
The CDC dataset also provided county-by-county fees.
Montana’s Missoula County has landed on the list, reporting a 29% increase of 4% from the previous year. Iowa was most represented, with six counties ranked in the top 10.
Over five improved the previous year, as only two Wisconsin counties were heading towards the top of the list. Still, all 72 counties self-reported excessive drinking in excess of 21% of adults.
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Alternatively, Utah County, Utah, has an excess drinking rate of 9%, making it the only county under 10%. Humphreys County, Mississippi, has approached 11%. Three counties in the state, three in Alabama and three in Georgia and Maryland concluded the list.
Below is an interactive map with self-reported excess drinking data for each county.
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Researchers noted some cautions to the data. In states or counties with a small population or sample size, estimates are less from CDC survey responses. Survey data are collected independently by states, but the way in which excessive drinking is calculated has changed.
Still, excessive drinking remains a concern in the US. Overuse of alcohol use causes about 20 people to die every hour, the CDC reports. This amounts to around 178,000 a year.
Health agencies have pointed out that excessive drinking can lead to injuries, violence, alcoholism, overdose (when other drugs are being used simultaneously), sexually transmitted diseases, unplanned pregnancy, miscarriage, death, or a fetal alcohol spot disorder.
However, drinking may be declining.
Young adults drink less than decades ago, according to a Gallup vote in 2023 that adults under the age of 35 were at least less likely to use alcohol than they did in the early 2000s.
Gallup also decreased the proportion of young adults who drink regularly or sometimes “more than they should think” during the same period.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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