This Florida City Was Ranked the Drunkest in America

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Written By Blue & Gold NLR Team

 

 

Enjoying alcohol is a common practice throughout the United States, but excessive drinking poses concerns in various regions. Recent research provides insight into the rates of excessive alcohol consumption across states, with Florida under the spotlight.

Data from the 2020 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps indicates that around 17.1% of adults in Florida admit to engaging in excessive drinking. This positions Florida as the 16th state with the lowest percentage of adults reporting unhealthy alcohol habits, slightly below the national average of 19.0%.

Examining specific regions within Florida, Jacksonville emerges with the highest proportion of adults reporting excessive drinking, at 19.8%. However, despite this figure, Jacksonville ranks 123rd among all 384 metro areas in the U.S. for excessive drinking rates.

Digging deeper, St. Johns County stands out as the county with the highest reported excessive alcohol consumption in Florida, with 22.4% of adults admitting to such behavior. Nevertheless, this places St. Johns County at 170th among all 3,142 counties nationwide.

The analysis further underscores the link between excessive drinking and alcohol-related traffic fatalities. In Florida, close to 23.3% of fatal car accidents involve alcohol, raising concerns about road safety.

While alcohol consumption is socially accepted for many, it’s crucial to recognize the short-term and long-term health risks associated with excessive drinking. From increased risk of violence and hazardous behaviors to enduring health issues such as alcohol dependence, heart disease, and mental health disorders, the consequences of excessive alcohol intake extend beyond immediate concerns.

Understanding the prevalence of excessive drinking enables targeted interventions aimed at promoting responsible alcohol habits and mitigating associated risks in communities across Florida and the broader nation.

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