Binge drinking, or the excessive intake of alcohol, is a common practice throughout the United States, especially for members of the younger generation. Michigan is rated among the top 10 worst states for binge drinking, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How common is binge drinking in Michigan, and what can you do to avoid it? Read on to find out what you can do to stop this prevalent problem.
Prevalence Of Binge Drinking In Michigan
According to the CDC, 20.1% of Michigan adults participate in binge drinking. By comparison, the national average is17%, with 6% of adults reporting “heavy drinking.” The CDC defines binge drinking as consuming “4 or more drinks for a woman or 5 or more drinks for a man on an occasion during the past 30 days.” Thus it is possible that many people who reported binge drinking only went through such an experience once or twice within the month, not consistently.
On average, Michigan residents reported drinking 7.3 alcoholic beverages per binge drinking session. This is right in line with the national average, but it still reveals a drinking problem within the state. Those who cannot learn to control their drinking may develop alcohol addiction, which often requires professional treatment to overcome.
How Much Money Do Michigan Residents Spend On Excessive Alcohol Use?
The alcohol bill in Michigan is staggering, totaling $8.16 billion. This is not nearly as high as states like Texas ($18.82 billion) or New York ($16.33 billion), but it is a huge sum of money going toward potential addiction. If you do the math, that comes out to $826 per household per year in excessive alcohol use. Think about what you could do with an extra $826 each year.
When Binge Drinking Turns To Alcoholism
Based on the CDC’s definition of “binge drinking,” choosing to drink heavily one night at a party could classify you as a binge drinking. That by no means makes you an alcoholic. With that in mind, there are many instances where consistent binge drinking over time can lead to alcoholism, which could put you at risk of losing friends, family members, your job, and much more.
If you feel that your alcohol consumption has gotten out of control, it may be time to seek help for your condition. Professional alcohol counseling could help you identify the underlying reasons for your addiction and determine what you can do to fight the cravings in the future. As a whole, you should work on limiting your alcohol intake until you can stop drinking entirely. You’ll save yourself money, improve your health, and enjoy a better quality of life all at the same time.