Mason Delacroix
Wisconsin has a drinking problem. In 2021, there were over 35,000 emergency room visits due to chronic alcohol conditions, and 2,629 deaths attributed to alcohol use. The state ranks high in excessive alcohol consumption, with 64.4% of adults drinking alcohol. The annual economic cost of excessive drinking in Wisconsin was $6.8 billion in 2013, which would be about $8 billion in 2021. To address this issue, Wisconsin has implemented various initiatives, such as the Wisconsin Alcohol Policy Project (WisAPP), which aims to reduce excessive alcohol consumption by working with local communities and governments. The State Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (SCAODA) has also released reports with recommendations to reduce alcohol consumption and its negative impacts. These include increasing alcohol prices, reducing youth access to alcohol, and providing support for those struggling with alcohol use disorders.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol-related deaths | In 2021, there were 2,629 alcohol-related deaths in Wisconsin. |
| Alcohol-related injuries | Alcohol-related injuries in Wisconsin include car crashes, suicide, unintentional injuries, and poisonings. |
| Alcohol use rates | 64.4% of adults in Wisconsin currently drink alcohol, the second-highest rate in the US. |
| Binge drinking rates | Adults in Wisconsin who binge drink consume, on average, a maximum of more than seven drinks on any occasion. |
| Youth alcohol use rates | In Wisconsin, 75% of retailers display or advertise alcohol at child height, and 55% of retailers sell alcohol beverages next to non-alcoholic beverages. |
| Strategies to reduce excessive alcohol use | The Wisconsin Alcohol Policy Project (WisAPP) works with coalitions, local health departments, and government agencies to implement strategies to reduce excessive alcohol consumption. |
| Alcohol prevention programs | The State Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (SCAODA) has released reports with recommendations to prevent and reduce excessive alcohol use, including increasing the cost of alcohol and reducing youth consumption. |
| Treatment options | Treatment options for alcohol use disorder (AUD) include individual counseling, group programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous, and medications. |
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What You'll Learn
The economic cost of excessive alcohol consumption in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has a drinking problem. The state ranks the highest in the nation for excessive alcohol use, including binge drinking, drinking while pregnant, heavy drinking, and underage drinking. Every county in Wisconsin exceeds the national average of excessive drinking. This has resulted in a range of health and social problems, including alcohol-related deaths, disease-related deaths, poisonings, car crashes, suicide, and unintentional injuries. The economic cost of this is significant.
The annual economic cost of excessive alcohol use in Wisconsin was $6.8 billion in 2013, which would be about $8 billion in 2021 dollars after adjusting for inflation. This is a huge cost to taxpayers, who are effectively picking up the tab for the state's drinking problem. The cost is not just financial, but also societal. Alcohol-related problems such as violence and family issues have a detrimental impact on the lives of Wisconsinites.
The State Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (SCAODA) has released a comprehensive report looking at ways to reduce excessive alcohol consumption in Wisconsin. The report includes 61 recommendations for various implementing organizations, including local and state governments, healthcare systems, and municipalities. The focus is on primary prevention, with strategies to stop the over-serving of alcohol and support those at risk of developing an alcohol use disorder.
The report also recommends increasing the cost of alcohol to reduce consumption, especially among youth. This is a significant issue in Wisconsin, as alcohol is widely available and often cheap. The state has allowed additional alcohol licenses and increased hours of sale, making it almost impossible to avoid alcohol when out in the state's biggest city, Milwaukee. The report also suggests semi-annual alcohol age compliance checks in every town, village, and city to discourage the sale of alcohol to minors.
The Wisconsin Alcohol Policy Project (WisAPP) is another initiative aimed at reducing excessive alcohol use in the state. WisAPP works with coalitions and local health departments, as well as civic, religious, healthcare, local government, and state government agencies to make positive change. By providing tools and resources, WisAPP supports communities in identifying local alcohol-related issues and implementing effective policies to address them.
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Alcohol-related deaths
Wisconsin has a higher proportion of drinkers than other states, and a significant number of these drinkers consume an "incredible amount". Alcohol-related problems in the state are largely driven by binge drinking, defined as consuming at least four drinks for women and five drinks for men within two hours. Adults who binge drink in Wisconsin consume, on average, a maximum of more than seven drinks on any occasion.
The State Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (SCAODA) has released a comprehensive report looking at ways to reduce excessive alcohol consumption and, by extension, alcohol-related deaths. The report includes 61 recommendations for various implementing organisations, including local and state governments, healthcare systems, and law enforcement. The report focuses on primary prevention, providing strategies to stop the over-serving of alcohol, as well as recommending screenings and brief interventions to identify those at risk of developing an alcohol use disorder.
The Wisconsin Alcohol Policy Project (WisAPP) is another initiative aimed at reducing excessive alcohol use and its associated harms. WisAPP studies Wisconsin's trends and works with local communities to identify alcohol-related issues and develop effective policies to address them. This includes providing tools and resources to prevent drinking during pregnancy and reduce youth alcohol use.
To address the issue of alcohol availability, particularly in Black neighbourhoods, the SCAODA report recommends increasing the cost of alcohol and enacting laws and regulations to fill voids in the current alcohol regulatory system. It also suggests monitoring and evaluating data collection systems to inform decision-making and create safer communities.
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Alcohol availability and alcohol-related problems
Wisconsin has a drinking problem. The state has a higher proportion of drinkers than other states, and its residents consume more alcohol per capita. In 2021, there were over 35,000 emergency room visits due to chronic alcohol conditions, and 2,629 deaths attributed to alcohol use. These numbers represent a decade-long upward trend.
Alcohol is widely available in Wisconsin. It can be purchased in grocery stores, coffee shops, and even pharmacies. Wisconsin's alcohol licensing system is highly decentralised, with close to 2,000 villages, towns, and cities making their own rules about alcohol sales. This has resulted in increased alcohol availability and accessibility over the past decade, with expanded licensing, longer sale hours, and takeaway drinks.
The State Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (SCAODA) has released reports with recommendations to address the state's alcohol problem. These include increasing the cost of alcohol, reducing youth consumption, and improving data collection systems. The reports also challenge Wisconsin's drinking culture and recommend screenings and brief interventions to identify individuals at risk of developing an alcohol use disorder.
The Wisconsin Alcohol Policy Project (WisAPP) supports communities in making positive changes by identifying local alcohol-related issues and policies to address them. WisAPP focuses on strategies to reduce excessive alcohol consumption by working with coalitions, local health departments, and various government agencies.
Alcohol availability in Wisconsin has been linked to alcohol-related problems such as violence and health issues. Alcopops, or flavoured malt beverages with high alcohol content and low cost, have contributed to the problem, particularly in Black neighbourhoods, where the oversaturation of alcohol outlets is notable.
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Alcohol treatment programs
The first step towards recovery is often acknowledging the problem and seeking help. In Wisconsin, individuals with alcohol-related concerns can turn to their family doctor or healthcare provider for trusted advice and guidance. Western Wisconsin Health, for instance, encourages anyone with questions or worries about their alcohol consumption to get in touch, even if they are not ready to quit. They emphasize the importance of having a reliable source of medical information when making decisions about one's health.
Detoxification, or detox, is often the next critical step in treating alcohol misuse. This process involves purging alcohol from the body under medical supervision. Detox can be challenging, as it is associated with withdrawal symptoms, but it is necessary for a safe and successful recovery. Rogers Behavioral Health in Wisconsin offers detox programs and has helped individuals like Baumann, who shared his story in Milwaukee Magazine, overcome alcohol addiction.
Support groups and mutual aid organizations, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), play a vital role in long-term recovery. AA is a widely recognized 12-step program that provides a supportive community for individuals striving for sobriety. AA meetings are readily available in Wisconsin, and members can find fellowship and understanding, sharing experiences and strategies to maintain abstinence. The Alano Club on the East Side, where Baumann volunteers, is one such example of a supportive alcohol-free environment that promotes ongoing recovery.
In addition to AA, other group programs like SMART Recovery offer alternative paths to managing alcohol misuse. These programs often use evidence-based techniques to change drinking behaviors and provide tools to support abstinence. Individual counseling is another treatment option, offering one-on-one therapy to address the underlying causes of alcohol misuse and develop personalized strategies for sustained recovery.
For some individuals, medication is an essential component of treatment. Certain medications can help reduce cravings and minimize the pleasurable effects of alcohol, making it easier to stop drinking or reduce consumption. These medications are typically prescribed by healthcare professionals and used in conjunction with counseling or group programs for optimal effectiveness.
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Reducing excessive alcohol consumption
Wisconsin has a drinking problem. The state has a higher proportion of drinkers than most other states, and it also has more people who drink excessively. Excessive drinking has detrimental effects on individuals and society as a whole. It is associated with numerous health problems and has significant short- and long-term impacts on people's lives. The annual economic cost of excessive alcohol use in Wisconsin was estimated to be $6.8 billion in 2013, which would be about $8 billion in 2021.
To address this issue, Wisconsin has taken several steps to reduce excessive alcohol consumption and mitigate its negative consequences. One key initiative is the Wisconsin Alcohol Policy Project (WisAPP), which aims to support communities and decision-makers in identifying local alcohol-related issues and implementing effective policies to promote positive change. WisAPP focuses on strategies to reduce excessive alcohol consumption by collaborating with various organizations and government agencies.
The State Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (SCAODA) has also played a crucial role in combating excessive alcohol consumption. SCAODA released a comprehensive report, "Moving Forward: Policies and Strategies to Prevent and Reduce Excessive Alcohol Use in Wisconsin," which provides evidence-based research and recommendations to address the issue. The report focuses on primary prevention, screening, and brief interventions to identify and support at-risk individuals. It also challenges Wisconsin's drinking culture and aims to reduce the availability and accessibility of alcohol.
Additionally, Wisconsin has recognized the importance of increasing alcohol awareness and providing treatment options. Western Wisconsin Health promotes alcohol awareness by educating individuals about moderate drinking levels and the negative consequences of excessive drinking. They also emphasize the availability of treatment options, such as individual counseling, group programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, and medications that can aid in reducing alcohol consumption.
To create a safer and healthier Wisconsin, everyone can play a role. Civic organizations, healthcare systems, and local and state governments can work together to reduce excessive alcohol consumption. This includes hosting events with fewer alcoholic beverages, conducting alcohol age compliance checks, and funding prevention efforts to reduce youth access to alcohol. By addressing the issue at the population level and creating healthier communities, Wisconsin aims to foster a positive and lasting impact on the well-being of its residents.
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Frequently asked questions
Wisconsin has a drinking problem. The state ranks high in excessive alcohol use compared to the rest of the US. In 2021, there were over 35,000 emergency room visits and 2,629 deaths attributed to alcohol use in the state.
The Wisconsin Alcohol Policy Project (WisAPP) supports communities in making positive change by identifying local alcohol-related issues and the policies to address them. The State Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (SCAODA) has also released a comprehensive report with 61 recommendations to reduce excessive alcohol consumption in Wisconsin.
The SCAODA report recommends filling voids in the current alcohol regulatory system and improving data collection systems. It also suggests increasing the cost of alcohol, reducing youth consumption, and providing screenings and interventions to identify people at risk of developing an alcohol-use disorder.
Individuals can play a role in reducing excessive drinking in Wisconsin by limiting their alcohol consumption to moderate levels. Moderate drinking is defined as not more than one standard drink a day for women and not more than two standard drinks a day for men. If individuals have concerns about their alcohol use, they should talk to a healthcare provider.
