Posted: Feb 9, 2010 8:14 AM by Angela Douglas/KTVQ
Updated: Feb 9, 2010 8:14 AM
Men's Health magazine has put Billings on the map, but not for the quality of life that the Magic City boasts about.
According to a survey conducted by the magazine, Billings is the third-drunkest city in America.
The survey is based on binge drinking, booze-fueled car crashes, death rates from alcoholic liver disease, and the number of arrests and the severity of DUI penalties.
While many find the city's inclusion on the list humorous, others feel it points to a serious issue.
To hear what Billings residents think about Billings' new "achievement" we headed out to the bars Saturday.
"Awesome," says Ben Crofton of Billings with a laugh. "Right on."
Fellow socialite Emily joined in on the enthusiasm, saying, "We actually high-fived each other and I don't know if that's a good thing."
Sitting at a neighboring table, Bob Toombs could relate to all three top "drunkest" cities.
"I also lived in Reno, spent some time in Fresno as well, which is 1, 2, and 3, so I've seen it all," Toombs says with a chuckle.
Billings' new "claim to fame" even inspired a Facebook page that already has the support of more than 1,200 fans.
While many were in good spirits about the new stigma Billings has earned, most were actually surprised by the news.
"I am surprised by it," admits Billings resident and Carlin DJ, Danny Tellez. "I mean, Montana, Billings, is a great place to raise your family."
Toombs agreed, noting, "It's kind of surprising I guess, considering the size."
But Billing Police Sergeant Kevin Iffland sees it in a different light.
"Billings, being the most populous city in the state and then depending on how they ranked certain things, not surprising that Billings would come out to the highest out of the state of Montana," explains Iffland.
Iffland says in 2009 the Billings Police Department receieved more than 1,600 DUI calls from the community.
The city of Billings also saw 546 DUI citations and more than 157 DUI-related car accidents.
"It's challenging for us to deal with it, but I think we've got a good handle and are doing the best that we can with the resources we've got available," Iffland says.
The numbers are a wake-up call, but when it comes down to it, this survey is more about the simple act of drinking. And enjoying cocktail hour is no new concept.
"I think it's the generation of people," says a Billings resident enjoying a martini on Saturday night. "That's what our parents did. We just drink. It's cold and what else are you going to do?"
Addiction Counselor Terri Helmer says drinking has become a part of society.
"People go out and they have fun when they're drinking," Helmer says. "We're teaching our kids at a very early age that alcohol is acceptable and it goes hand in hand with leisure activities."
There's no doubt the drinks will keep getting poured, but Helmer just hopes those who are consuming them do it in a responsible manner.
"I would say be careful," Helmer states. "That a lot people start as social drinkers, but then it turns into something more serious."
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