BINGE DRINKING - PREVALENCE, PATTERNS AND POLICY

This paper presents analyses of the pattern of 'binge drinking' in Wales, based on data drawn from a 1993 survey of 12 167 (67%) 18-64 year olds resident in 15 212 households in Wales. Binge drinking, defined as drinking half the weekly recommended units of alcohol in a single drinking session, was found to be most prevalent among young adults, males, the manual social group, those who did not undertake any further education after secondary school, those who are single, divorced or separated, beer drinkers and those who concentrate most of their drinking at weekends. 28.2% of men and 8.2% of women reported binge drinking at least once a week, of whom about 42% felt that their level of drinking was harmful to their health. About a quarter stated that they would like to reduce their alcohol consumption but only a small number had been advised to do so by their General Practitioner. The public health impact of binge drinking is discussed. It is recommended that sensible drinking messages should emphasize the need to reduce binge drinking as well as to moderate overall weekly consumption and should be supported by policies to create environments that support sensible alcohol use.