What State has the Highest Rate of Alcoholism?

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In what might come as a surprise to most people, "North Dakota" is the answer to the following question:  what state has the highest rate of alcoholism?

North Dakota Led the Nation in Binge Drinking and Alcohol Abuse in 2003

According to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in their 2002-2003 "National Surveys on Drug Use and Health," North Dakota had the highest rate (31.4%) in the nation for "binge alcohol use" by persons who were 12 years old or older.

"Binge alcohol use" is defined as drinking five or more alcoholic drinks at one sitting on at least one day in the 30 days prior to the survey. Whereas North Dakota had the highest rate, Utah had the lowest rate (15.9%).

As revealed by the SAMHSA survey, the following states also had high rate of binge drinking: Colorado, Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

The SAMHSA report estimates that Tennessee had the lowest rate (6.0 %) of alcohol dependence or alcohol abuse during the past survey year while North Dakota had the highest rate (10.8%).

What State has the Highest Rate of Alcoholism:  Conclusion

When the question is asked "what state has the highest rate of alcoholism," the almost shocking answer is, "North Dakota."  Unfortunately, North Dakota also leads the United States in binge drinking by individuals who are 12-years-old or older.

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