At more than two gallons per year on average, Americans are drinking more alcohol than at any other time in U.S. history since the Prohibition era.
The Associated Press released a report on Tuesday that contrasted the rising rates of alcohol consumption with those in 1910. The report shows that in 1910, Americans consumed just under two gallons of alcohol. That number has increased to 2.3 gallons as of this year.
The study suggests the increase is a result of “binge drinking,” a practice where one drinks an excessive amount of alcohol to raise their blood alcohol concentration to 0.08 grams percent or above. Findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that, from the years 2006 to 2010, 88,000 people died each year from alcohol abuse.
Binge drinking has also risen among women. According to Aaron White, a lead researcher for the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol-related deaths increased 85% among women and 39% among men.
The report follows recent news that wine consumption has decreased for the first time in 25 years, falling 0.9%.
