A recent federal survey found that 31 percent of North Dakotans binge drink, compared with a national average of 23 percent, the Associated Press reported March 14. Moreover, residents are more likely to view alcohol-related arrests as a badge of honor rather than a source of shame, according to residents like Melissa Maeyer, a semi-recent transplant from Washington, D.C.

"It's like a rite of passage," said bar employee Maeyer. "I have never heard so many people casually talking about how many drunken-driving or minor-consuming-alcohol arrests they've had."

Laura Thompson, who owns the Old Town Tavern in Mandan, N.D., says most of her customers meet the definition of binge drinking -- consuming five or more drinks at a sitting. "Younger people come in just to get drunk. They do shots and they don't want to stop," she said. "Older people come in to drink and socialize."

North Dakota also led the nation in alcohol problems, with 11 percent of residents meeting the criteria for alcohol dependence and abuse. "Historically, the culture has been very accepting of alcohol," said Don Wright, assistant director of the state Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. "It's a generational thing."

"A lot of these little rural towns have nothing except for a bar," said alcoholism counselor Kelby Inmon.

On the other hand, the state has one of the lowest crime rates in the country, defying the proven link between alcohol use and violence.

North Dakota first lady Mikey Hoeven has been spearheading a local campaign against underage and binge drinking that includes ads on TV, radio, and billboards. "It's a huge problem that unfortunately is not something that is new," Hoeven said. "There is no quick fix to this. I think there is cultural acceptance. It’s not an easy problem."

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