Women are binge drinking more

6th May 2009, 12:04pm

Research has found that the percentage of women who binge drink has doubled since the 1990's.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation report found that 15% of women now binge drink on alcohol every week. However, the proportion of 16- to 24-year-old men binge-drinking decreased by 9% since 2000.

Researchers also found that whilst fewer children are drinking, those that do drink are drinking much more than they did in the past.

In the UK, women are less likely than men to drink, and women who do drink consume less than men. However the gender gap has generally narrowed over the last 15 to 20 years. Researchers suggest this might relate to the influence of advertising and also women's increased financial security and independence.

Meanwhile there has been a steady increase in alcohol consumption among middle age and older groups. Researchers say it is likely to be wealthier individuals who are drinking more, however the report points out that alcohol is 65% more affordable now than in 1980.

Other figures suggest that excessive weekly drinking has increased in Northern Ireland compared with Great Britain as a whole. One possible explanation for this is the change in licensing laws in 1996, and the rapid growth in the leisure industry since the peace process began.

Lesley Smith, the report's lead author, commented on these findings: "Much concern has been expressed in recent years about young people's drinking - and young people binge-drinking in particular. Many people will be surprised to learn that young men's drinking, including binge-drinking, has gone down in recent years, while middle age and older people's drinking has increased."

Related Articles:

• 19 Oct 2009 - Alcohol consumption falls at fastest rate in over 60 years
• 13 Apr 2009 - 'We will not punish those who drink responsibly'
• 02 Apr 2009 - Pupils tackle binge drinking
• 21 Jul 2008 - Drinks industry still acting 'irresponsibly'

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