Appalled but not surprised.

[MossRose]

I live in an area where just about everything revolves around alcohol. My entire community seems to not only endorse, but actually promote drinking. I guess I never really paid much attention until now. So, I decided to do a little research to see if I was crazy, or if certain places tend to breed more alcoholics.

Here’s what I found for my part of the world:

"When it comes to drinking, it seems, no state keeps pace with Wisconsin. Wisconsin, long famous for its breweries, leads the nation in drunk driving, binge drinking, and the most bars per capita..."

Certainly makes me less than proud to be a cheesehead. Maybe it’s time to move.

http://healthymarathoncounty.org/sta...et-w-picts.pdf

[red67]

Appalled but not surprised.

Mossrose, I too am from Wisconsin. I live in Milwaukee. Yes we have a HUGE drinking culture here. But after being sober for over 2 years I can say it doesn't bother me anymore. I mostly feel sorry for the people who do drink to excess(and they are everywhere). I hate that we don't taking drinking and driving seriously here though. You see it everywhere from festivals, restaurants, bars, parties etc. No one seems to be concerned about excess drinking and then getting behind the wheel. And the hosts don't care when people leave drunk and get into their cars. I never let anyone leave my house if I think they have had too much to drink. Even if they don't seem drunk I make them stay overnight or offer to drive them home. Doesn't make sense to me how society can let drunk people drive. I really don't care if you want to drink to excess, just don't get behind the wheel of a car and possibly kill someone.

[Nichau]

Appalled but not surprised.

I lived in Madison for 10 years, the Oshkosh area for 8, and outside Green Bay for 2. Boy, can I attest to the alcohol culture there! I was a full-time musician in Madison, so not only was there the college party scene practically 24/7, but then all the clubs I played. When I got married and lived in Oshkosh, still playing part time, I unsuccessfully tried to start my own business and had plenty of time on my hands to drink while my husband was at work, stashing vodka and re-filling the 'box-o-wine' we always kept on hand so my husband wouldn't know I drank most of it. Finally, after my divorce, I got so depressed that I wouldn't even let people into my house, because it was so trashed from my apathy. And during it all, I could point out TONS of people who were much worse off than me. Kinda took the focus off my own problem, ya know? "You think I'm bad...just look at So-and-So!"

(*nods*) Yes, I know Wisconsin well.

[MossRose]

Appalled but not surprised.

Nice to meet you both. Red...I'm about an hour southwest of you. Nichau, I love visiting Madison, but know its reputation as a party town. Still I really do love WI. It's beautiful and the people are friendly. Now, if everyone would just stop drinking and driving!!

[Rusty]

Appalled but not surprised.

Moss,

I was born and raised in Wisconsin, where I still live. :-). I used to live in Madison and now live in Walworth County. Yes, we are in a drinking state but all of my friends are moderate drinkers or are AF, as I am. The people in my life who were heavy drinkers or were toxic, and triggers for my drinking, are no longer in my life. I know how hard it is to stay away from booze, especially when you live in a resort community as I do. What helped keep me AF n this town of the rich and famous is that a wealthy friend off doesn't drink and never has. He looks 15 years younger than he is and has a gorgeous wife who is also a non-drinker. I am vain....I want to look totally hot like she does when I turn 65.
If you need extra help, feel free to PM me or one of the other Cheeseheads here

[Rusty]

Appalled but not surprised.

[QUOTE=Rusty;1515117]Moss,

I was born and raised in Wisconsin, where I still live. :-). I used to live in Madison and now live in Walworth County. Yes, we are in a drinking state but all of my friends are moderate drinkers or are AF, as I am. The people in my life who were heavy drinkers or were toxic, and triggers for my drinking, are no longer in my life. I know how hard it is to stay away from booze, especially when you live in a resort community as I do. What helped keep me AF n this town of the rich and famous is that a wealthy friend of mine doesn't drink and never has. He looks 15 years younger than he is and has a gorgeous wife who is also a non-drinker. I am vain....I want to look totally hot like she does when I turn 65.
If you need extra help, feel free to PM me or one of the other Cheeseheads here.

[scottishman]

Appalled but not surprised.

Here in Glasgow, Scotland, its practically a crime to not be drunk on a weekend..lol

Scotland is famous for whisky, the Loch Ness Monster and... pissheads ...lol

[Wagoneer]

Appalled but not surprised.

I am in Philadelphia and there is a huge drinking culture here. Mostly beer, which is not a huge trigger for me...I was a wine drinker. Gastro pubs and bars on every corner. In fact it is Philly Beer Week here this week - every night this week I am awaken by the sound of stumbling drunks walking down the street to get to their cars, or hear them bike riding....into the parked cars. What a mess. So happy I am done with that nonsense!!!