Alcohol Abuse Costs State Nearly $68 Billion A Year

A new report tries to put a price tag on alcohol abuse in Wisconsin. The study by Health First Wisconsin estimates excessive drinking costs the state nearly $6.8 billion a year. Executive director Maureen Busalacchi says those costs are seen in several areas, with lost productivity taking up the largest share. Busalacchi says the total breaks down to about $1,200 per resident. She notes there’s also a human toll brought on by excessive alcohol use. She says 1,500 Wisconsin residents die every year from alcohol-related causes. Busalacchi says the report should serve as a call to action for state and local officials to consider measures aimed at reducing alcohol abuse such as sobriety checkpoints. She says that would help police target drunk driving, a major factor identified by the report. For a copy of the report click here.