Here it comes the season of togetherness, joyfulness, merriment, and those holiday parties. According to a new survey, the turkey and stuffing on the table won't be the only things Iowans are stuffing themselves with.

The pandemic has been rough. According to Axios, Iowa liquor sales went up 8% from the fiscal year 2019 to 2020. But it jumped by 13% between FY 2020 to 2021, according to state records. But as the pandemic winds down, things aren't changing in terms of our drinking habits.

No one can fault anyone for a little drink, you've got to take the edge off somehow. But according to KCCI, a new statewide survey says 60 percent of us have already upped the ante since the start of the pandemic and, as mentioned, we're heading into a time of year where it's likely to get worse.

A state report from the Governor's Office of Drug Control Policy says Iowa now ranks second in the nation when it comes to excessive drinking.

A reported 22.8% of Iowa adults report binge or heavy drinking. The report defines heavy drinking as eight or more drinks per week for women and 15 or more for men.

The report also states Iowa ranks 5th in the country in binge drinking (defined as four to five drinks or more on one occasion in the last 30 days).

When family and loved ones or work stress you out, which is what 40 percent of those surveyed blamed as the cause, it's tempting to reach for the bottle. Or head to the bar, earlier and longer, which is another trend being noticed by bar owners, according to the story.

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