smac97 Posted June 7, 2018 Posted June 7, 2018 (edited) See here: Quote Though alcohol is enjoyed responsibly by millions of Americans every day, it is also misused and abused by many -- and over consumption can have serious consequences. According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 18.0% of American adults regularly consume unhealthy amounts of alcohol. In some American cities, excessive drinking rates are higher. Excessive drinking, according to the CDC, includes binge drinking -- which is defined as four or more drinks on a single occasion for women and five or more for men -- and heavy drinking, or eight or more drinks per week for women and 15 or more for men. In the short term, excessive drinking can increase the likelihood of violence, risky sexual behavior, alcohol poisoning, and injuries. The potential long term effects of excessive alcohol consumption include depression, anxiety, alcohol dependence, and social problems. Long-term excessive drinking can also lead to chronic diseases, including certain cancers, liver disease, and heart disease. 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the adult excessive drinking rate in 381 U.S. metro areas to identify the 20 drunkest (and 20 driest) cities. The cities with the highest excessive drinking rates are concentrated in the Midwest, while those with the lowest rates are mostly in southern states. Here are the lists: Wettest (First place at the bottom): Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI Ames, IA Fairbanks, AK Lincoln, NE Watertown-Fort Drum, NY Sheboygan, WI Debuque, IA Iowa City, IA Fon du Lac, WI Mankato-North Mankato, MN La Cross-Onalaska, WI-MN Wausau, WI Grandforks, ND-MN Missoula, MT Oshkosh-Neenah, WI Fargo, ND-MN Madison, WI Appleton, WI Eau Claire, WI Green Bay, WI Driest (First place at the bottom): Dothan, AL Rocky Mount, NC Ogden-Clearfield, UT Fort Smith, AR-OK McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX Kingsport-Briston-Bristol, TN-VA Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Gadsden, AL Knoxville, TN Johnson City, TN Cleveland, TN Pine Bluff, AR Parkersburg-Vienna, WV Morristown, TN Logan, UT-ID Charleston, WV Jackson, TN Beckley, WV St. George, UT Provo-Orem, UT A few thoughts: The "wettest" cities seem to be predominantly in places that have long, cold winters. Is there a significant "drinking culture" in places like Iowa and Wisconsin (both heavily represented in the "wettest" category)? As for the "driest" cities, it appears a lot of them are in Tennessee and other parts of the South, at least some of which have stricter-than-average alcholol laws (see Morristown, TN? The article also mentions an inverse correlation between binge drinking and low income (really poor people don't binge drink as much because they can't afford it - see Jackson, TN, Charleston, WV, Pine Bluff, AR, et.). The presence of a large number of college students can have a big effect, as college students do a lot of binge drinking (see, e.g., Madison, WI, which ahs 44,000 college students). So possible significant factors in binge drinking include Stringency of liquor laws; Local "drinking culture" (including college-age binging) or lack thereof (Utah); Local average income; and Long, cold winters (this is just speculation on my part). I am glad to see Utah well-represented on the "driest" list. Of course, we need to do a lot better in terms of exercise, diet and weight. Thanks, -Smac Edited June 7, 2018 by smac97 3
ksfisher Posted June 7, 2018 Posted June 7, 2018 "Excessive alcohol use led to approximately 88,000 deaths and 2.5 million years of potential life lost (YPLL) each year in the United States from 2006 – 2010, shortening the lives of those who died by an average of 30 years.1,2 Further, excessive drinking was responsible for 1 in 10 deaths among working-age adults aged 20-64 years. The economic costs of excessive alcohol consumption in 2010 were estimated at $249 billion, or $2.05 a drink.3" https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm 88,000 deaths works out to 241 dead every day. Chattanooga, TN had a population of just over 167,000 in 2010. Alcohol is killing off a US city the size of Chattanooga every two years. I'm not sure why we are allowing this to happen.
Scott Lloyd Posted June 7, 2018 Posted June 7, 2018 If a local “drinking culture” contributes to excessive alcohol consumption, there is something to be said for the Word of Wisdom, which works against the establishment or growth of a drinking culture. Also, Utah’s much maligned liquor laws may, in fact, be promoting the general welfare if they discourage a local drinking culture. 1
smac97 Posted June 7, 2018 Author Posted June 7, 2018 51 minutes ago, ksfisher said: "Excessive alcohol use led to approximately 88,000 deaths and 2.5 million years of potential life lost (YPLL) each year in the United States from 2006 – 2010, shortening the lives of those who died by an average of 30 years.1,2 Further, excessive drinking was responsible for 1 in 10 deaths among working-age adults aged 20-64 years. The economic costs of excessive alcohol consumption in 2010 were estimated at $249 billion, or $2.05 a drink.3" https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm 88,000 deaths works out to 241 dead every day. Chattanooga, TN had a population of just over 167,000 in 2010. Alcohol is killing off a US city the size of Chattanooga every two years. I'm not sure why we are allowing this to happen. For the same reason we allow all sorts of destructive behaviors: agency. Choice. Alcohol is too entrenched in our society to remove it by fiat. We tried that with Prohibition, and . . . well, we know how well that turned out. We're now headed down a similar path as pertaining to recreational marijuana. Thanks, -Smac 3
Kenngo1969 Posted June 7, 2018 Posted June 7, 2018 When you said "driest," I was thinking "climate." 3
Gray Posted June 7, 2018 Posted June 7, 2018 Wisconsin had a lot of German immigrants early on. Also they have a ton of breweries there: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Wisconsin#Brewing 1
strappinglad Posted June 7, 2018 Posted June 7, 2018 53 minutes ago, ksfisher said: "Excessive alcohol use led to approximately 88,000 deaths and 2.5 million years of potential life lost (YPLL) each year in the United States from 2006 – 2010, shortening the lives of those who died by an average of 30 years.1,2 Further, excessive drinking was responsible for 1 in 10 deaths among working-age adults aged 20-64 years. The economic costs of excessive alcohol consumption in 2010 were estimated at $249 billion, or $2.05 a drink.3" https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm 88,000 deaths works out to 241 dead every day. Chattanooga, TN had a population of just over 167,000 in 2010. Alcohol is killing off a US city the size of Chattanooga every two years. I'm not sure why we are allowing this to happen. I suppose we could pass a law... that worked out well before. If these deaths were from Ebola there would be a mass panic and political turmoil. Some might say it was just natural selection doing its thing. I wouldn't .
ksfisher Posted June 7, 2018 Posted June 7, 2018 Just now, strappinglad said: If these deaths were from Ebola there would be a mass panic and political turmoil. I was kind of thinking along the same lines.
Tacenda Posted June 7, 2018 Posted June 7, 2018 41 minutes ago, Ahab said: How dry I am. How dry I am. Nobody knows. How dry I am. 100 bottles of beer on the wall, a hundred bottles of beer.... or dry version... hundred bottles of root beer on the wall, a hundred bottles of root beer on the wall... How about this version of how dry I am...
Amulek Posted June 7, 2018 Posted June 7, 2018 1 hour ago, smac97 said: As for the "driest" cities, it appears a lot of them are in Tennessee and other parts of the South, at least some of which have stricter-than-average alcholol laws (see Morristown, TN? This is certainly the case. Southern Baptists aren't down with drinking (see, e.g., here). In fact, the last city I lived in here in Texas was still dry when we moved five years ago - though the local businesses made sure to get it on the ballot every single year.
Ahab Posted June 7, 2018 Posted June 7, 2018 6 minutes ago, Tacenda said: 100 bottles of beer on the wall, a hundred bottles of beer.... or dry version... hundred bottles of root beer on the wall, a hundred bottles of root beer on the wall... How about this version of how dry I am... Silly boy. Doesn't he know he can go out in the back yard. And he's already wet (not thirsty). Dry is when you need something to drink, something that will quench a thirst. Some people just mistakenly drink alcohol apparently not understanding that alcohol just dries them out more. Living water is what we all need. 1
SteveO Posted June 7, 2018 Posted June 7, 2018 2 hours ago, smac97 said: Is there a significant "drinking culture" in places like Iowa and Wisconsin (both heavily represented in the "wettest" category)? In Wisconsin? Dude, we INVENTED binge drinking. We marinate our brats in beer. Missionaries aren’t even allowed to knock on Sunday’s during football season—there’s no point. Packers are the only thing people have time for on the Sabbath. Beer and football go hand in hand. Which is no coincidence that Green Bay is numero uno on the list. And lest you think there’s any sense of shame holding that title...there is none. 1
pogi Posted June 7, 2018 Posted June 7, 2018 5 hours ago, Kenngo1969 said: When you said "driest," I was thinking "climate." I think we would make the top list for that category too. 1
cinepro Posted June 7, 2018 Posted June 7, 2018 6 hours ago, smac97 said: We're now headed down a similar path as pertaining to recreational marijuana. Thanks, -Smac You might enjoy this podcast, which looks at whether or not it is a good analogy: What’s More Dangerous: Marijuana or Alcohol? Quote Imagine a fantasy world that’s exactly as the world is today except that two things are missing: alcohol and marijuana. And then imagine that tomorrow, both of them are discovered. What happens now? How are each of them used – and, perhaps more importantly, regulated? How would we weigh the relative benefits and costs of alcohol versus marijuana? 1
Robert F. Smith Posted June 7, 2018 Posted June 7, 2018 Alcohol is a carcinogen, and Utah has the lowest cancer rate in the nation as of 2016. Utah also has the lowest rate of births to unmarried mothers, and the lowest Cesarean delivery rate (natural birth preferred). However, at the same time, Utah is 5th in suicides, and 9th in Alzheimers (perhaps due to greater longevity in the state). https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/states/utah/utah.htm .
cacheman Posted June 8, 2018 Posted June 8, 2018 1 hour ago, Robert F. Smith said: Alcohol is a carcinogen, and Utah has the lowest cancer rate in the nation as of 2016... https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/states/utah/utah.htm . Utah ranks very well in cancers related with alcohol and tobacco. Their overall cancer rate actually ranked 42nd among the states. The cancer mortality rate was the lowest among states. I don't have the 2016 data, but I know that the 2015 rates of prostate, testicular, and ovarian cancer were among the highest in the nation, so the overall low rate is even more impressive. Cancer is a terrible disease and the rates of alcohol and tobacco consumption in Utah are clearly helping many avoid it.
The Nehor Posted June 8, 2018 Posted June 8, 2018 So this isn't a condemnation of our compulsive need to build cities in arid deserts? Very disappointed. I think I need a beer to get over it. Excuse me. 2
Robert F. Smith Posted June 8, 2018 Posted June 8, 2018 5 hours ago, cacheman said: Utah ranks very well in cancers related with alcohol and tobacco. Their overall cancer rate actually ranked 42nd among the states. The cancer mortality rate was the lowest among states. I don't have the 2016 data, but I know that the 2015 rates of prostate, testicular, and ovarian cancer were among the highest in the nation, so the overall low rate is even more impressive. Cancer is a terrible disease and the rates of alcohol and tobacco consumption in Utah are clearly helping many avoid it. Yes, and I wonder whether it is Utah longevity which brings on high rates of prostate, testicular, and ovarian cancer. Certainly in the case of slow-growing prostate cancer, men usually die of something else before it becomes deadly. 1
cacheman Posted June 8, 2018 Posted June 8, 2018 7 hours ago, Robert F. Smith said: Yes, and I wonder whether it is Utah longevity which brings on high rates of prostate, testicular, and ovarian cancer. Certainly in the case of slow-growing prostate cancer, men usually die of something else before it becomes deadly. I imagine that would factor into it, particularly with the mortality rates, where Utah does a bit better compared to the rates of incidence. But, states with the highest longevities such as Hawaii and Maine have very low rates of prostate cancer compared to other states. So, I'm not sure that longevity plays as much a role as one might think. It might be more environmental or genetic. What is more interesting to me is that Utah has such a high incidence rate despite the very small population of African Americans. African Americans get prostate cancer at a rate 60% greater than Caucasians. Utah's rate is right up there with Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, etc. That being said, the country should take notice of the lower cancer rates in Utah and recognize the benefits of avoiding alcohol and tobacco. 1
Tacenda Posted June 8, 2018 Posted June 8, 2018 (edited) There was an older couple in a ward back in the late 90's where I use to live and I was her visiting teacher. She told my partner and I that her and her husband would go all over the world and look for mushrooms. Back then I thought that peculiar. They were very stalwart active members of the church, temple worthy etc. She was old then, and she is still alive and robust. I saw her last year at the golf course, but her husband has since passed away. I wonder if their interest in mushrooms, enabled her to live so long and be so robust. I'm going to look into this. I bet big pharm would like to keep this hidden for sure. I saw the post above had a table of the most dangerous substances, and alcohol listed at the top. Sure makes me look at mushrooms and marijuana a lot different. They don't belong with alcohol as far as harmful to the body, IMO. Not saying some magic mushrooms or even cannabis should totally be given a green light. Just that we might want to look at these natural plants in a new or different light. Those of you that live in Northern California & Oregon, now can't remember the others...might want to go on a hunt! ETA: Watch out though, some deadly ones out there. Edited June 8, 2018 by Tacenda
USU78 Posted June 8, 2018 Posted June 8, 2018 On 6/7/2018 at 10:54 AM, Kenngo1969 said: When you said "driest," I was thinking "climate." So typical ... unadventurous yBu people who've never been to Logan opining on Cache Valley relative aridity. 1
Kenngo1969 Posted June 11, 2018 Posted June 11, 2018 On 6/8/2018 at 11:25 AM, USU78 said: So typical ... unadventurous yBu people who've never been to Logan opining on Cache Valley relative aridity.
clarkgoble Posted June 11, 2018 Posted June 11, 2018 On 6/7/2018 at 9:58 AM, ksfisher said: "Excessive alcohol use led to approximately 88,000 deaths and 2.5 million years of potential life lost (YPLL) each year in the United States from 2006 – 2010, shortening the lives of those who died by an average of 30 years.1,2 Further, excessive drinking was responsible for 1 in 10 deaths among working-age adults aged 20-64 years. The economic costs of excessive alcohol consumption in 2010 were estimated at $249 billion, or $2.05 a drink.3" https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm 88,000 deaths works out to 241 dead every day. That doesn't even count the role of alcohol in violence ranging from domestic violence to assaults and murders. It's constantly funny to me how people justifiably rail on guns but aren't willing to even discuss the much higher rate of death from alcohol. Then throw in things such as how alcohol affects health from cancer to heart conditions and things are much worse. I'm not for banning it, but man we could sure limit it a lot more. 2
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