Wisconsin, renowned for its cheese, is also known for its high rates of alcohol consumption, with 10 of its cities ranking among the top 20 most “drunk” in the United States, according to a 2024 report from 24/7 Wall St. The state’s residents continue to show some of the highest levels of heavy, excessive, and binge drinking in the nation, based on data from America’s Health Rankings in 2023. Further analysis of Wisconsin’s drinking patterns provides insight into the changing trends in alcohol consumption over the past decade.
A report released by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) in May 2024 sheds light on the state’s alcohol consumption from 1970 to 2022. Between 2012 and 2022, beer consumption in Wisconsin decreased by 20%. In 2022, the average Wisconsin adult consumed approximately 29.5 gallons of beer, or about 316 standard drinks annually. A standard drink is defined by NIAAA as containing 0.6 fluid ounces of ethanol, with a 12-fluid ounce beer considered one standard drink.
However, while beer consumption has fallen, spirits consumption has risen sharply, increasing by 32% during the same period. In 2022, Wisconsin residents consumed an average of 4.33 gallons of spirits, or around 370 standard drinks. Spirits, which typically contain about 40% alcohol by volume, are consumed in smaller quantities compared to beer but have a higher ethanol content. A standard drink of spirits is roughly 1.5 fluid ounces.
Wine consumption also saw a modest increase of 4%, reaching an average of 3.42 gallons per person in 2022, which equates to about 88 standard drinks.
Despite the decline in overall beverage consumption, the amount of ethanol consumed in Wisconsin has risen. In 2022, the average ethanol content of alcohol consumed by adults was 9.5%, up from 7.9% in 2012. While total alcohol consumption decreased by about 13% over the decade, the overall ethanol intake rose by 4%, with the average resident consuming approximately 37.3 gallons of alcohol annually, equivalent to about 760 standard drinks. This translates to slightly more than two drinks per day on average, exceeding the NIAAA’s daily recommendations of no more than two drinks for men and one for women.
The increase in alcohol consumption, particularly spirits, has raised concerns about the long-term health implications. Research from the National Cancer Institute highlights the increased risk of cancer associated with daily alcohol use, while the National Institutes of Health notes that long-term alcohol consumption is linked to over 200 diseases. The NIH also emphasizes that “no amount of alcohol is ‘safe’ or beneficial for your health.”
As Wisconsin continues to grapple with high levels of alcohol consumption, experts warn about the potential public health risks, including increased rates of alcohol-related diseases and long-term health consequences for residents.
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