Nashua, Manchester 'Drunkest' In NH: Survey

NASHUA, NH — Nashua and Manchester have the dubious distinction of being the drunkest places in New Hampshire. 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. New Hampshire was ranked the 19th "drunkest" state in the country; North Dakota was ranked No. 1.

The study found 19 percent of Nashua and Manchester adults binge drink or drink heavily, compared to the statewide average of 18.4 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 30.3 percent of driving deaths in New Hampshire involve alcohol.

"Excessive drinking is more common among well-educated, affluent populations," the survey's authors added. "In Manchester-Nashua, the typical household earns $76,254 a year, nearly $19,000 more than the typical American household. Additionally, 37.3% of area adults have a bachelor’s degree or higher, well above the comparable share of American adults of 31.3%."

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

• New Hampshire: Manchester, Nashua
• Massachusetts: Cape Cod
• 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