CDC: Hangovers cost U.S. economy $249 billion in 2010

WASHINGTON, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- Those last few rounds at the bar and the resulting hangover costs more than the price of some Advil. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported excessive drinking cost the U.S. economy $249 billion in 2010, largely from reduced workplace productivity and resulting health problems.

Binge drinking -- five or more drinks on one occasion for men or four or more drinks on one occasion for women -- was responsible for 77 percent of the financial toll on the economy. Two of every $5 of costs -- more than $100 billion -- were paid by governments, the CDC said. The 2010 data, the most recent available, is a marked increase from $223.5 billion in 2006. The economic toll from excessive drinking extends to workplace absenteeism, loss of productivity, car crashes, fires, property damage and death.

"The increase in the costs of excessive drinking from 2006 to 2010 is concerning, particularly given the severe economic recession that occurred during these years," said Dr. Robert Brewer, head of CDC's Alcohol Program and one of the study's authors. "Effective prevention strategies can reduce excessive drinking and related costs in states and communities, but they are under used."

The CDC said drinking to excess is also responsible for an average of 88,000 deaths each year. Washington, D.C., had the highest cost per person ($1,526 compared to an $807 national average) and New Mexico had the highest cost per drink ($2.77 compared to an $2.05 national average).