Drink culture tests positive for COVID... OUR WORLD
MORE people than ever are changing their attitudes to drinking, a new survey shows, with a marked increase in adults wanting to drink alcohol less often and those already making small positive changes.
And 30 per cent of adults now also agree that ‘Irish drinking culture has changed for the better since COVID-19.’
However campaigners also warned of “concerning trends” amid new figures which show 60 per cent of adults drink weekly while a quarter regularly binge.
Some 26 per cent admitted to regularly binge drinking in a survey – prompting health warnings due to alcohol abuse.
Links between mental well-being and alcohol consumption were also highlighted in the research from awareness charity Drinkaware.
Their purpose is to “prevent and reduce alcohol misuse in Ireland”, and yesterday it released its Barometer Report for 2023.
A spokesperson claimed that the report has examined “the evolving landscape of alcohol consumption in Ireland to understand the future of drinking culture”.
He added: “Ireland still has a high level of per capita alcohol use that remains considerably above the Department of Health’s aim to reduce per capita alcohol use to 9.1 litres [annually].”
Pub bosses also yesterday issued findings related to alcohol in Ireland and said the industry is vital to the economy.
They also indicated that attitudes to drinking have shifted dramatically in recent decades and urged campaigners not to be swayed by “out-dated stereotypes”.
The spokesperson for Drinkaware said: “We are encouraged by positive trends in Irish drinking culture, but our annual barometer signals ongoing challenges in drinking habits.
“Some 54 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds say they would like to drink less often and 57 per cent of them have already made small positive changes.
“The study provides valuable insights into drinking practices, motivations, and perceptions surrounding alcohol.”
Perspective
“Now in its eighth year, the extensive data gathered since the Drinkaware Barometer series began in 2017 offers a nuanced perspective on alcohol consumption trends and their broader societal implications.
“The report highlights significant shifts in drinking behaviours, particularly in binge drinking, mental well-being, and intentions around personal alcohol consumption reduction, particularly since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.”
In this year’s report it found that 59 per cent of Irish adults are drinking alcohol on a weekly basis.
The spokesperson continued: “There has also been a notable rise in binge drinking from 20 per cent of respondents in 2020 to 26 per cent in 2023.
“Binge drinking is defined as consuming six or more standard drinks in one sitting or drinking faster than your liver’s ability to process alcohol.
“With 26 per cent of respondents reporting binge drinking as a typical pattern for them, this represents a