Article snippet: MORE’s nominee to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs withdrew his name from consideration this week after a number of serious allegations were raised about his stewardship as White House physician, including that he drank on the job. The allegations against Ronny Jackson of excessive drinking shine a light on a problem that, while not unique to Washington, is particularly acute in the nation’s capital. Washington, D.C., has the highest rates of binge and problem drinking in America. It’s a booze problem fueled by a uniquely stressful environment where many of the corporate structures of accountability and oversight don’t exist. From the executive branch to Capitol Hill, K Street lobbying firms to high-pressure newsrooms, free alcohol is easily accessible. The days of the three-martini lunch may be gone, but they have been replaced by hard-partying nights filled with fundraisers, receptions or long bar tabs. “There is just a strong push and culture of intoxication in D.C. It’s been like that for a long time,” said Kevin Sabet, who served in the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy in three different administrations. “It’s not a Republican or Democrat issue. It really cuts across all ideologies.” This weekend, Washington’s political class will hobnob during at least 10 events surrounding the White House correspondents' dinner, where the drinks flow freely. The most common complaint at the dinner itself is that empty wine bottles are not replac... Link to the full article to read more