United States

Excessive Drinking Gives Economy a $249 Billion Headache, CDC Says

Drinking to excess doesn't just make you feel horrible, it leaves the U.S. economy hung over and less productive, according to new research by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

The CDC reported Thursday that excessive drinking cost the U.S. economy $249 billion in 2010, or $2.05 per drink.

Most of these costs were attributable to reduced workplace productivity, crime and the cost of treating people for health problems caused by excessive drinking, the CDC said.

Binge drinking — defined as consuming five or more drinks at a time for men or four or more drinks on one occasion for women — was responsible for 77 percent of the overall economic costs, the CDC said.

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