five alcoholic beverages the typical amount consumed
Eight drinks ‘the norm’ for night out
Published:
People in the north-east have more than five drinks on an average night out or when drinking at home, a survey has revealed.
The research – part of an investigation into NHS Grampian’s battle with alcohol – found that drinkers average 5.2 drinks a session.
However, the survey also found that on average people thought that eight drinks was the “norm” for a night’s drinking – raising fears that some may be drinking more because they feel they have to keep up with expectations.
Last month, 1,545 people took part in NHS Grampian’s Usual Suspects survey to give a snapshot of the region’s typical drinking habits.
The health board said it was worried by the fact that 12% of those questioned said their health had suffered due to their alcohol consumption – particularly those aged between 26 and 35.
On a positive note, the survey found that two-thirds of respondents said they had felt able to refuse to drink on occasions by saying they did not wish to, without the need to offer any excuses.
On a similar note, health bosses were encouraged by the fact that the majority of people said they had two alcohol-free days each week.
Richard Carey, chief executive of NHS Grampian and chairman of the Aberdeen Joint Alcohol and Drug Action Team, said people know how to drink sensibly, but just choose not to.
He said: “It was encouraging that 95% of respondents reported being aware of sensible drinking guidelines and that drink-driving was an unacceptable behaviour.
“Although there is a high awareness level of sensible drinking guidelines, the survey demonstrates that the majority of respondents don’t always apply this knowledge, for example when calculating their own alcohol intake in units.
“We would encourage people to ‘take the challenge’ during Alcohol Awareness Week by logging on to www.alcoholawarenessweek.com for details of how to enjoy alcohol responsibly.”
