Alcoholism and Binge Drinking Cost U.S. Taxpayers $223 Billion a Year

Washington D.C. and New Hampshire Heaviest Drinkers and alcoholism rates in the country.

Next month we can expect to see the American Journal of Preventative Medicine publish a study done by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and some of the results of the study may be surprising to readers. Researchers have reported that binge drinking, alcoholism and alcohol abuse is costing American taxpayers billions of dollars in health care each year. And about 42% of those costs are being covered by Medicare, Medicaid or other government agencies. That means taxpayers are paying about $2 in additional fees per drink. Yet, insurance companies rarely cover the costs involved in truly treating alcoholism at Malibu drug and alcohol treatment centers.

“Excessive alcohol use has devastating impacts on individuals, families, communities, and the economy,” CDC Director Dr Tom Frieden said in a statement, according to the Daily Mail. “In addition to injury, illness, disease, and death, it costs our society billions of dollars through reduced work productivity, increased criminal justice expenses, and higher healthcare costs. Effective prevention programs can support people in making wise choices about drinking alcohol.”
This new report studies states’ alcohol consumption in 2006. At that time, Washington DC ranked one of the highest in consumption at approximately 680 drinks per person, costing $1,662 per capita. Lower on the scale was Utah, likely due to the Mormon influence, at less than 200 drinks per person and costing $578 per capita.
States with some of the heaviest drinkers were New Hampshire, District of Columbia, Nevada, Delaware, Wisconsin, Vermont and Florida. States with the lowest were Utah, Oklahoma, Arkansas, West Virginia and Kentucky. Although the study did not delve into why some states had lower heavy drinking than others, it did note that much of the alcohol consumption in Nevada was due to tourists.
For a full list of stats from the CDC, click here.

Alcoholism and Binge Drinking Cost U.S. Taxpayers $223 Billion a Year; Washington D.C. and New Hampshire Heaviest Drinkers
Next month we can expect to see the American Journal of Preventative Medicine publish a study done by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and some of the results of the study may be surprising to readers. Researchers have reported that binge drinking, alcoholism and alcohol abuse is costing American taxpayers billions of dollars in health care each year. And about 42% of those costs are being covered by Medicare, Medicaid or other government agencies. That means taxpayers are paying about $2 in additional fees per drink. Addiction treatment providers have been trying to stress the effects alcoholism has on society for decades, yet many people still view this as an insular problem.
“Excessive alcohol use has devastating impacts on individuals, families, communities, and the economy,” CDC Director Dr Tom Frieden said in a statement, according to the Daily Mail. “In addition to injury, illness, disease, and death, it costs our society billions of dollars through reduced work productivity, increased criminal justice expenses, and higher healthcare costs. Effective prevention programs can support people in making wise choices about drinking alcohol.”
This new report studies states’ alcohol consumption in 2006. At that time, Washington DC ranked one of the highest in consumption at approximately 680 drinks per person, costing $1,662 per capita. Lower on the scale was Utah, likely due to the Mormon influence, at less than 200 drinks per person and costing $578 per capita.
States with some of the heaviest drinkers were New Hampshire, District of Columbia, Nevada, Delaware, Wisconsin, Vermont and Florida. States with the lowest were Utah, Oklahoma, Arkansas, West Virginia and Kentucky. Although the study did not delve into why some states had lower heavy drinking than others, it did note that much of the alcohol consumption in Nevada was due to tourists.

For a full list of stats from the CDC, click here.
https://www.hngn.com/articles/10095/20130814/alcoholism-binge-drinking-costs-u-s-taxpayers-223-billion-year.htm

When you recognize harmful patterns and seek treatment, you can increase your chances of leading a healthier life. Cliffside Malibu is here to support you in your search for an alcohol-free life. We believe you deserve to have a private, comfortable and luxurious environment as you navigate your journey to a sober life. Our center allows you to explore your mental health needs, creates a treatment plan that is unique to you and allows you to discover beneficial coping skills. To learn more about alcohol treatment at Cliffside Malibu, call (855) 403-5641.