Ohio is a state that loves to drink. According to a recent report by 24/7 Wall St., Ohio has the 14th highest share of adults who report excessive drinking at 20.2%, compared to 19.0% nationwide. Excessive drinking, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, includes binge drinking and heavy drinking. But which city in Ohio drinks the most?
The Drunkest City in Ohio: Columbus
The answer might surprise you. It’s not Cleveland, the home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Browns. It’s not Cincinnati, the birthplace of Skyline Chili and the Cincinnati Reds. It’s not even Dayton, the city that topped the list of the drunkest cities in Ohio by RoadSnacks in 2015.
It’s Columbus, the capital and the largest city of Ohio. According to the data from 24/7 Wall St., Columbus has the highest share of the adult population reporting drinking excessively in the state, at 20.6%. That’s higher than the national average and ranks 75th among all 384 metro areas in the U.S.
Columbus also has a high number of bars and liquor stores per capita, which indicates the availability and accessibility of alcohol in the city. According to Yelp, there are 1,075 bars and 269 liquor stores in Columbus, which translates to about 8.6 bars and 2.2 liquor stores per 10,000 residents. That’s more than the average of 6.4 bars and 1.9 liquor stores per 10,000 residents across the U.S.
Why Columbus Drinks So Much
There are many possible reasons why Columbus drinks so much. One of them is the presence of a large and diverse student population. Columbus is home to Ohio State University, one of the largest public universities in the country, with more than 60,000 students enrolled. College students are known to drink more than the general population, especially during social events, sports games, and parties.
Another reason is the culture and history of Columbus. Columbus has a strong German heritage, as many German immigrants settled in the city in the 19th and early 20th centuries. They brought with them their traditions of brewing and drinking beer, which are still evident in the city’s numerous breweries, beer festivals, and beer gardens. Columbus also hosts the annual Oktoberfest, a celebration of German food, music, and beer, which attracts thousands of visitors every year.
A third reason is the stress and boredom that some residents might experience in Columbus. Columbus is often ranked as one of the most livable and affordable cities in the U.S., but it also has its share of problems, such as crime, poverty, traffic, and pollution. Some residents might turn to alcohol as a way of coping with these issues, or as a way of escaping from the monotony of their daily lives.
The Consequences of Excessive Drinking
While drinking can be fun and enjoyable in moderation, excessive drinking can have serious and harmful consequences for individuals and society. Excessive drinking can increase the risk of various health problems, such as liver disease, heart disease, cancer, and mental disorders. It can also impair judgment and coordination, leading to accidents, injuries, and violence. Moreover, excessive drinking can affect one’s personal and professional relationships, as well as one’s financial and legal status.
According to the CDC, excessive alcohol use is responsible for about 95,000 deaths and 2.8 million years of potential life lost in the U.S. each year. The economic cost of excessive alcohol use in the U.S. was estimated at $249 billion in 2010, or $2.05 per drink. In Ohio, the annual cost of excessive drinking was estimated at $8.7 billion, or $2.32 per drink.
Conclusion
Columbus is the drunkest city in Ohio, according to the data from 24/7 Wall St. The city has a high percentage of adults who report drinking excessively, as well as a high number of bars and liquor stores per capita. The reasons for the city’s drinking habits might include the large student population, the German heritage, and the stress and boredom factors. However, excessive drinking can have negative impacts on one’s health, safety, and well-being, as well as on the society and the economy. Therefore, it is important to drink responsibly and seek help if needed. Cheers!