'Almost half of Ireland’s drinkers binged in the past 30 days'

Drinkaware Ireland has today released new stats on the public’s drinking habits amid Covid-19, which show that half of the population admitted to binge drinking in the last 30 days.

Although more people admit to drinking frequently amid the pandemic, the first round of data released from the 2021 report shows that many have more of a positive attitude towards lowering their consumption compared to 2020.

The report shows new rituals related to Irish drinking habits were brought on by the lockdowns and closures affecting the hospitality industry.

Of most concern in the data is the increase in binge drinking among young adults, where the average person is having six or more standard measures in a single sitting.

Low mental wellbeing peaked for the 43% who say their consumption increased in the past 12 months, and also more generally for those under 50 years of age.

Men are more than twice as likely to engage in binge drinking than females according to the report, while more 18-24-year-olds are binge drinking in 2021 compared to during the initial lockdown phase in 2020.

Almost half of Ireland’s drinkers indicate binging in the past 30 days (Brian Lawless/PA Wire)

On a more positive note, the data collected in 2021 so far has also shown that 30% of people have less of a desire to drink now compared to the beginning of the pandemic while 50% of people who increased their drinking amid Covid are now cutting back.

An additional and encouraging finding is that more than one in three (33%) plan to make small positive changes to their drinking behaviour, which has increased from 31% in 2020.

37% of people in Ireland also said they have already made positive changes to their level of alcohol consumption.

Speaking about the findings, Drinkaware CEO Sheena Horgan said: ‘This may well be the most important Barometer we have conducted to date, because the findings when compared with 2020 and previous years’ data, show us what potentially harmful drinking patterns have become normalised.

‘We know through our research and our extensive engagements with the public that people want to drink differently.

‘What is really striking this year is the important recognition of their unhealthy consumption by those who binge drink and those who say their drinking has increased in the past twelve months because these are among the key groups saying they want to drink less.

‘There is a gap between the increase in binge drinking and the desire to drink less, and this needs to be closed with information and support that is helpful and user-friendly.

‘Many people are unhappy with the amount they are drinking and without the agency and empowerment to make the desired changes these behaviours and attitudes will continue post-Covid-19 and may become entrenched in our society.’