According to a 2023 study by 24/7 Wall Street, State College, Pennsylvania, is the drunkest city in the United States of America. The study analyzed data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to identify the metropolitan areas with the highest rates of binge and excessive drinking. State College ranked first in the state with 22.5% of adults reporting that they either binge drink or drink heavily on a regular basis.
There are a number of factors that may contribute to State College’s high ranking on this list. The city is home to Pennsylvania State University, which has a large student population. Students are more likely to binge drink than adults in other age groups. According to a 2022 study by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 26.8% of college students reported binge drinking in the past two weeks.
In addition, State College has a relatively high number of bars and restaurants, which may make it easier for people to access alcohol. A 2023 study by 24/7 Wall Street found that State College has 3.7 bars per 10,000 residents, which is more than twice the national average.
Here Are Some Of The Factors That Contribute To State College, Pennsylvania, Being Ranked As The Drunkest City In The United States Of America:
Large Student Population:
State College is home to Pennsylvania State University, boasting a sizable student population. College students are statistically more likely to engage in binge drinking compared to adults in other age groups. Recent data from a 2022 study by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism revealed that 26.8% of college students reported binge drinking in the past two weeks.
Abundance of Alcohol Outlets:
State College provides easy access to alcohol, thanks to its high concentration of bars and restaurants. The city surpasses the national average with 3.7 bars per 10,000 residents, according to the 2023 study by 24/7 Wall Street.
Stressful Environment:
The relatively high cost of living in State College places stress on many residents, leading to increased anxiety. Financial struggles and the bustling city atmosphere can further contribute to stress, potentially driving individuals toward alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Mental Health Issues:
Mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, are also linked to excessive alcohol consumption. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism’s 2018 study highlighted that individuals with mental health disorders are twice as likely to develop an alcohol use disorder.
It is crucial to recognize that these factors are only part of the complex web of causes contributing to State College’s high ranking on the list of the drunkest cities. Further research is necessary to gain a comprehensive understanding of the underlying issues.
Excessive alcohol consumption brings along a host of negative consequences, including an elevated risk of accidents, injuries, violence, health problems such as liver damage and heart disease, the development of alcohol dependence and addiction, and social and economic difficulties, such as job loss and domestic turmoil.
Individuals who are concerned about their own or someone else’s alcohol consumption can find support, guidance, and treatment through various available resources:
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): https://www.samhsa.gov/
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): https://www.aa.org/
SMART Recovery: https://www.smartrecovery.org/
State College, Pennsylvania, like other cities facing this issue, must address the root causes of excessive alcohol consumption through comprehensive strategies while offering support to those affected by this public health challenge.
Read More:
- This New York City Was Ranked The Drunkest In America
- This Massachusetts City Was Ranked The Drunkest In America
