Cape Cod 'Drunkest' Part Of Massachusetts: Survey

BARNSTABLE, MA — Cape Cod has the dubious distinction of being the drunkest place in Massachusetts. At least that is according to "The Drunkest City in Every State" survey by 24/7 Wall St., a financial news outlet. The survey, based on federal census data, among other factors, was released last week. Massachusetts was ranked the 13th "drunkest" state in the country; North Dakota was ranked No. 1.

The study found 21 percent of Barnstable County-area adults binge drink or drink heavily, compared to the statewide average of 19.5 percent. The nationwide average is 18 percent.

"Excessive drinking claims the lives of tens of thousands of Americans each year and is responsible for about 1 in every 10 deaths among working age adults," the survey's authors wrote. "Excessive alcohol consumption, according to the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), includes binge drinking — defined as four or more drinks in a single occasion for women and five or more for men — and heavy drinking, which is defined as at least eight drinks per week for women and 15 for men."

The survey found 23.1 percent of driving deaths in Massachusetts involve alcohol.

While Cape Codders are the "drunkest" in the state, they are healthier in other respects, according to the survey.

"Of the five metro areas in Massachusetts, (the Barnstable metro area) has the lowest smoking rate, the lowest obesity rate, and the largest share of adults who are regularly physically active," the survey's authors wrote.

These are the survey's rankings of the "drunkest" places in New England:

• Massachusetts: Cape Cod
• New Hampshire: Manchester, Nashua
• Rhode Island: Providence, Warwick
• Maine: Portland, South Portland
• Vermont: Burlington
• Connecticut: Bridgeport, Stamford, Norwalk

Alcohol Abuse Help: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

The Drunkest City in Every State: 24/7 Wall St.

Photo credit: Toby Talbot/Associated Press