More than half of Irish people drinking alcohol 'to cope' amid worrying rise in binge drinking

A damning new study has showed that over half of Irish adults are turning to alcohol to cope with life.

51% of people who were asked by Drinkaware, the national independent charity working to prevent and reduce alcohol misuse, about their habits.

For the third year in a row, over half of Irish adults’ say they drink alcohol on “at least a weekly basis”

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Too much alcohol can damage nerves (Getty Images)

The research, carried out by Behaviour & Attitudes in May/June 2022 reveals a complex relationship between Irish adults and alcohol. As a nation we are experiencing a cultural shift, however the “at least weekly” consumption of alcohol remains high and the levels binge drinking continue to increase year on year.

Other statistics from the Drinkaware National Barometer include:

• Over half of Irish adults' report drinking alcohol to cope (51% 2022)
  
• 1 in 4 drinkers now engage in binge drinking when they drink
  
• 55% of people who drink have engaged in binge drinking in the past 30 days an increase of 20% when compared to 2020 (46%)
• Fewer adults ‘don’t drink’ compared with pre-pandemic (17% in 2022 V 28% in 2020)

However, there were some positive notes from the public.

• 50% of respondents agree ‘drinking to excess is just part of Irish culture’ – a dramatic drop from 75% reported in 2019
• 27% or just under 1 in 3 agree ‘we all drink to excess at some stage – it’s no big deal – dropping from 50% in 2019
• 30% would like to drink less often and 35% agree they have already made small positive changes to their drinking habits in the past 30 days.
• The top three influences to drink less were reported as: physical health (63%), personal finances (37%) and mental health (32%)

The key findings from the Drinkaware Annual Barometer (Drinkaware)

Drinking alcohol regularly, and particularly binge drinking, can contribute to the development of new mental health problems including depression and anxiety and can also make existing problems worse.

Director of Communications for Drinkaware Jennifer Flynn comments: "We know from both our research and from our extensive engagements with the public, specifically the most recent engagement at the National Ploughing Championships, that mental health is front of mind for many Irish adults.

"With the cost-of-living crisis, the ongoing concerns surrounding Covid-19 and the winter months ahead, it’s no surprise that people are finding it difficult to maintain high levels of mental wellbeing.

"With over half of Irish adults drinking alcohol to cope, we need to ensure that the public are aware of the impact alcohol can have on our mental wellbeing, and that they are armed with the information and support to protect their mental health.

"We are here to support the public with information, advice and tips to enable and empower people with healthier coping strategies that don’t involve alcohol. I urge the public to visit drinkaware.ie and equip themselves with the facts, information and supports available to them.”

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