The Burden of Excessive Alcohol Use in Wisconsin

By Penny Black, MS

Excessive alcohol use* is not a new, inconsequential, or geographically-isolated problem. In 2010, approximately 17% of US adults reported binge drinking, 5% reported heavy drinking, 7.6% reported drinking while pregnant, and 39% of youth under the age of 21 reported drinking (Source: CDC, BRFSS). A report released in 2011 estimates the economic costs of excessive alcohol consumption in the US is approximately $223 billion each year.

Excessive alcohol consumption is one of Wisconsin’s biggest public health issues. Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with many negative health and social consequences, which come at a great economic cost. Everyone who lives and works in Wisconsin is affected by these consequences and associated economic costs of excessive alcohol consumption, regardless of his or her personal drinking behavior.