In this article, we are going to discuss the 5 states with the highest rates of binge drinking in the US. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the financial impact of alcohol in America, the country with the highest rate of binge drinking in the world, a company promoting sobriety as part of its workplace culture, and the use of ketamine to treat alcohol use disorder, head to 20 States with the Highest Rates of Binge Drinking in the US.
5. South Dakota
Prevalence of Binge Drinking in 2021: 21.1%
The number of alcohol-related deaths in South Dakota increased by 159% over the last decade, from 156 deaths in 2012 to 404 in 2021. The state also ranked second in the country for the rate at which its residents die of liver diseases, with about 17.5 deaths per 100,000 people in 2017.
As a result, the Mount Rushmore State has taken a number of initiatives to control excessive drinking. The state’s innovative 24/7 Sobriety Program requires those arrested for or convicted of alcohol-involved offenses to take twice-a-day breathalyzer tests or wear a continuous alcohol monitoring bracelet.
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4. North Dakota
Prevalence of Binge Drinking in 2021: 21.7%
North Dakota is counted among the States with the Highest Rate of Drunk Driving Deaths, with a staggering 47% of all motor vehicle-related deaths involving alcohol. Beer is the most popular drink in the Peace Garden State, with ND consuming almost 20.9 million gallons of brew in 2021.
The heavy influx of oil workers over the last decade has also contributed to North Dakota ranking among the Top 5 States with the Highest Rate of Binge Drinking.
3. Iowa
Prevalence of Binge Drinking in 2021: 21.8%
Keeping up with the national trend, Iowa witnessed a 13.2% increase in total liquor sales in 2021 when compared to the previous year, with Iowans spending more than $415.8 million on liquor. Unsurprisingly, alcohol-related deaths in the Hawkeye State also jumped to 923 in 2021, a 10.2% increase from 2020.
2. Montana
Prevalence of Binge Drinking in 2021: 22.9%
Alcohol consumption in Montana has increased significantly over the last three decades, from a low of just under 2.8 gallons per capita in 1996 to 3.34 gallons per capita in 2021, an increase of 19.2%. However, the silver lining is that alcohol consumption by the Montana youth has fallen significantly over the last decade. In 2011, around 39% of the state’s high school students reported drinking alcohol within the past 30 days. In 2021, this figure had already dropped to 21%.
Montana is one of the very few states that don’t allow the retail sale of distilled spirits on Sundays. However, the Montana House of Representatives passed a bill in April 2023 that would allow sales of distilled spirits products from state agency liquor stores on Sundays and Mondays.
1. Wisconsin
Prevalence of Binge Drinking in 2021: 23.5%
With a binge drinking prevalence of 23.5%, Wisconsin is the Most Alcoholic State in America. Binge drinking costs the Badger State about $4 billion a year, or approximately $700 per resident. A major reason for the high alcohol consumption in Wisconsin could be its low liquor taxes, resulting in lower retail and wholesale prices.
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