18/01/2012

One In 10 'Has Alcohol Problem'

According to recent research one in 10 people in Northern Ireland have an alcohol problem.

The interview-based research revealed that 9% of participants were problem drinkers.

Commissioned on behalf of the Department of Health, the research interviewed 2,000 people and found that 61% of people considered themselves to be light drinkers and 36% consider themselves to be moderate drinkers.

And while the test found 9% had a problem with alcohol, only 3% of people said they considered themselves to be heavy drinkers.

Other key findings revealed that more than seven out of ten (74%) adults drink alcohol, a larger proportion of men drink alcohol when compared with women and Younger adults (18-29 years) are more likely to drink than older adults (60-75 years).

Meanwhile around half of drinkers reported drinking alcohol at least once a week or more frequently (6% of respondents reported drinking on an almost daily basis).

(LB/DW)

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