A drunk and disorderly country: a nationwide cross-sectional survey of alcohol use and misuse in Great Britain

• Published in: Frontline gastroenterology 2012-01, Vol.3 (1), p.57-63
• Main Authors: Craig, D G, Dakkak, M, Gilmore, I T, Hawkey, C J, Rhodes, J M, Sheron, N
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Patient Experience
• ISSN: 2041-4137; 2041-4145
• DOI: 10.1136/flgastro-2011-100047

Objectives To explore current alcohol drinking patterns, behaviours and attitudes in Great Britain. Design and setting Independent online cross-sectional survey. Patients and interventions Survey of 2221 individuals from a representative panel. Main outcome measures and results Excessive alcohol consumption is a widespread problem across Great Britain. Binge-drinking is common among 18–24 year olds, with 19% reporting drinking 10+ drinks on the same drinking day. ‘Pre-loading’ with alcohol at home before going out was reported by 30% of 18–24-year-old drinkers, of whom 36% get drunk twice or more a month, with 27% having injured themselves while drunk. Among older drinkers, 25% regularly drink to excess, 8% drink seven or more drinks on a typical drinking day and 9% self-reported drink-driving. Male gender was an independent risk factor for heavy (>40 units/week) alcohol abuse (odds ratio 3.05 (95% CI 1.82 to 5.10)). Men (19%) were more likely than women (8%, p