Though alcohol is enjoyed responsibly by millions of Americans every day, it is also misused and abused by many — and over consumption can have serious consequences. According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 18.0% of American adults regularly consume unhealthy amounts of alcohol. In some American cities, excessive drinking rates are higher.

Excessive drinking, according to the CDC, includes binge drinking — which is defined as four or more drinks on a single occasion for women and five or more for men — and heavy drinking, or eight or more drinks per week for women and 15 or more for men.

In the short term, excessive drinking can increase the likelihood of violence, risky sexual behavior, alcohol poisoning, and injuries. The potential long term effects of excessive alcohol consumption include depression, anxiety, alcohol dependence, and social problems. Long-term excessive drinking can also lead to chronic diseases, including certain cancers, liver disease, and heart disease.

24/7 Wall St. reviewed the adult excessive drinking rate in 381 U.S. metro areas to identify the 20 drunkest (and 20 driest) cities. The cities with the highest excessive drinking rates are concentrated in the Midwest, while those with the lowest rates are mostly in southern states.

Click here to see the drunkest cities in America.
Click here to see the driest cities in America.
Click here to see our detailed findings and methodology.