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A NEW STUDY assessing the health of the country has found that there has been a rise in binge drinking in the last year, with more people also visiting the GP in the last twelve months than in 2023.
The Healthy Ireland Survey 2024, published today by the Department of Health, was conducted by Ipsos B&A. Almost 7,400 people over the age of 15 took part in the research.
It said that while the trends in the survey are broadly positive, there were a number of areas of concern, including a rise in binge drinking, a decrease in the numbers meeting exercise guidelines and less people eating the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables daily.
Of those surveyed, 81% reported their general health as good or very good, while 86% rated their quality of life as good or very good.
Two in every five people (41%) have a long-term health condition confirmed by a medical professional, broadly unchanged from the 40% recorded last year.
High blood pressure (8%), arthritis (6%), and asthma and diabetes (both 5%) are the most prevalent long-term health conditions confirmed by a medical diagnosis.
The survey found that proportion of people that have visited a GP has increased each year since 2021.
It found that 79% of people reported having visited a GP in the last year, with an average of 4.4 visits per person among all aged 15 and older. This is the highest level since first reported in 2015.
89% of those with a full medical card and 87% of those with a GP Visit card attended a GP in the last 12 months, with an average of 6.7 and 4.3 visits respectively. This compares to 73% among private patients with an average of 3.2 visits.
According to the survey results, 28% of people binge drink on a typical night out, up from 24% last year and a near return to the 27% level measured in 2018. For men, this figure is 42% – up from 37% last year – while for women, it is a rise from 12% to 14%.
Binge drinking is defined as drinking six or more standard drinks on a typical drinking occasion. Examples of six standard drinks include three pints of 4.5% lager or 600ml of 12.5% wine.
Increases in binge drinking over the past year was observed among all age groups between 25 and 64. Men aged between 15 and 24 (50%) are the group most likely to binge drink, with this age group also having the highest prevalence among women (26%).
The survey found that 17% of the population are current smokers, broadly in line with the 18% recorded in 2023, and continuing the downward trend from the 23% reported in 2015.
While smoking rates remain highest among the 25 to 34 age group at 20%, they are now significantly below the 32% recorded in 2015. The proportion of the population using e-cigarettes remains unchanged since last year at 8%.
Just 41% of people report meeting the national guidelines for being moderately active for at least 150 minutes a week, a reduction from the 46% recorded in 2019.
However, walking isn’t included in that calculation and more than 60% of people report walking for 10 minutes or more, at least five days a week.
The results also showed a rise in the numbers who reported consuming sugary drinks at least once per week – 32% this year compared with the 29% recorded in 2019.
There was a small reduction in the numbers eating fruit and vegetables daily. Fruit was eaten daily by 62% of the population and 73% reported eating vegetables every day, a decline from 65% and 75% respectively in 2021.
Just 28% of the population now consume the recommended five or more portions of fruit and vegetables per day, down from 34% in 2019.
Women (33%) were more likely than men (22%) to report eating five or more portions of fruit and vegetables each day (39% and 28% respectively in 2021).
This year, for the first time, the survey included a module on the impact of Covid-19 and Long Covid. This is defined as Covid symptoms that continue for four weeks or more following the initial infection.
The survey found that 7% of respondents reported experiencing symptoms of Long Covid at some point in time, with 3% receiving a Long Covid diagnosis from their doctor.
The number of people identifying as carers continues to rise, up from 9% in 2015 and 12% in 2023 to 14% this year.
Those aged between 45 and 54 (23%) and 55 and 64 (19%) are most likely to report being a carer. Women (16%) are more likely than men (11%) to say they are carers, with 29% of women aged 45-54 identifying as carers, in comparison to 17% of men of the same age.
Almost a quarter (24%) of carers reported providing around the clock care for someone they live with.
The survey also found that carers themselves are more likely to have a long-standing illness or health problem, at 44% compared to 36% of those who are not carers.
The results of the survey can be found on the Department of Health’s website.
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Boozing has no positive benefits. Wastes money and time and shortens our lives.
In my 20s and early 30s, I was a binge drinker and would regularly wake up with no clue what happened the night before. Would then spend a day or 2 recovering.
My behaviour regularly caused me to do things I didn’t want to and not do things that I actually wanted to. I first cut back and then about 5 years ago stopped completely.
Changed my life, took up running and cycling and I am definitely healthier in my 40s than I was in my my 20s.
@Bat Boy: well done, I did similar 4yrs ago, lads holiday in Spain, the last night I left 3/4s pint on the table before we left, mate said drink up and I said, that’s for Ron, he said who the fecks Ron??, later on I said and haven’t touched a drop since…
@Lance Taylor: fair play to you, they should never have spiked your drink. Ron is no friend of yours, I hope you disowned him.
@Bat Boy: well done Bat Boy. I’m a year now. It was never a problem but the absence of it is an improvement.
@Bat Boy: massive respect for you Man x I’m in my 30′s and have been battling a daily solo drink addiction since I was a teenager. It has destroyed everything and I am more than likely going to die soon. My beautiful Fiancé died from this disease on the 13th of December 2022. You would think that would make me stop. I’ve been to every treatment centre and hospital that would take me. The only advice I can give is to try and deal with your underlying issues as we don’t have dual diagnosis services in this Country anymore. Don’t do what I’ve done and in fairness unlike some others, I’m actually posting under a true identity on this forum. I wish anyone struggling the absolute best- please see your GP and don’t be afraid of the fellowship x
@Basildon Joe: shut up you tool
@Lance Taylor: now that’s the drink talking
@Comments Section Closed: maybe he was drinking with Ronnie Kray? Hard to know for sure.
@Donna Fallon: sorry to hear that Donna. Try Ayahuasca. Or religion. Or both. I’ll pray for you.
@James MC: Thank you so much for your kindness James I don’t deserve it x
@Donna Fallon: you do. It’s not your fault you’re lost. Extreme situations require drastic changes as a solutions. Don’t be afraid to change absolutely everything about yourself. After all, this has been a part of you most of your life. If it’s really about survival, what lengths would you go to? It’s never too late
@Donna Fallon: at least you still have your looks. Well done.
@Donna Fallon: but on another post a few weeks back, you said you were sober a couple of years
@James Brennan: yup I relapsed I’m sorry.
@James MC: Thank you so much x I promise I’m doing my best… I genuinely appreciate your response it was so kind x
@Basildon Joe: Lol Joe that photo is over 5 years old if not more. I look nothing like my old self. If I took a photo now I’d probably make you sick!! One of the reasons I want to warn and support others- looks mean nothing to me anymore I have caused so much damage to my insides that I have done irreversible damage. I just don’t want anyone else to end up like me.
@Donna Fallon: I’m very sorry to hear of your misfortune and the loss of your partner. Been reading some of your threads on/off here for some time now and your reaching out to us randoms which is quite brave of you. You seem very genuine but also a bit too hard on yourself, which you shouldn’t be of course. All I can say is I hope you can make a recovery and to be good to yourself.
@wwvCLOuF: That’s so kind of you j m m thank you it means a lot x I guess I have realised that life is way too short to worry about what other people think of you. If even one person gets the sentiment behind my sometimes blunt posts, that’s all that I care about. Alcohol is a drug and yet we are almost encouraged to partake in it’s use citing ‘right of passage’. When I was a little girl, I dreamt of being a pilot. Not a disgusting waste of potential sleeping rough. Thank you again and take care x
@Bat Boy: It has its downsides for sure. Then again we’re here for a blink and it’s not like life is one long sequence of happiness. It’s an absolute drag at times and we’re surrounded by endless ignorance and cruelty, that’d drive anyone with a bit of empathy and insight to despair. Sometimes getting properly blitzed is just what the doctor ordered even if it’s not the healthiest thing you can do. This is not a world everyone wants to be fully present in all the time. If the unhealthy stuff knocks a few years off at the end, so be it. We’re heading back to the big nothing anyway, where all that running will count for the sum total of zilch.
@SerotoninWars: my wife has the exact same outlook on alcohol. But she also has the healthiest relationship with it of anyone I know. She can use it just like you described, the only difference with her is, once the session is over, that’s her done for a month at least. And it doesn’t leave her an anxious scatter brain the next week after. She’d never have a hair of the dog or a Sunday settler. Can’t say the same about myself when I drink.
@James MC: I hear you. I’ve experienced the downsides too believe me. It’s the suggestion that there are no positives and the life duration vs life enjoyment aspect I was replying to. Alcohol can be a total nightmare but sometimes everything feels so insanely messed up, a bit of nihilistic self-destructive abandoning of reality, really ticks a few boxes! Is it the wisest thing you can do? No! Does it work and feel like a good option at times when you feel like throwing the towel in with this insane planet? Yes!
@SerotoninWars: no, I don’t feel like that anymore. I have my faith now instead. And I’m extremely blessed and greatfull to have a small family of my own. Like I count my blessings everyday.
@SerotoninWars: I’d maintain there’s no good in alcohol, yes. There’s no good in many material pleasures and experiences. Excitement and pleasure don’t bring me peace. Happiness come from peace.
@James MC: That’s great you’ve reached a peaceful place. I don’t indulge anywhere near as much as I used to. It tends to be decent stretches of months staying as far away from it as possible. Then I hit it again and go mad for a bit. It’s not ideal but I try not to waste time and energy beating myself up about it. Sometimes you need that break from the planet even if there are wiser and healthier options. I’ve no faith whatsoever so that might explain the slightly nihilistic throwing in of the towel! I don’t believe anyone is coming to save us and we’re a cruel and primitive bunch on so many levels. Primitive problems temporarily plastered over with a primitive solution! :)
@SerotoninWars: crazy idea, but may be abstain from material pleasures and excitement and your outlook might change. I believe our creator has a way they want us to live and that way brings one peace and purpose.
Three pints is not binge drinking for heaven’s sake no wonder nobody listens to their out of touch stuff.
3 pints is binge drinking ?? Sure you’d spill more down your top on a Friday night…
@Regular John: Three pints !!! . In my day a binge was three weeks.
@Danny Reilly:
Ha Ha… And we’re still going ! They don’t make them like they used to :)
@Regular John: American degrees of alcoholism.
@Regular John: It often was three Counties and in extreme cases three Countries
What ??? Binge drinking is 3 pints now. What Green leftie kale munching soy latte drinking PETA fan decided that. As far as I’m concerned binge drinking is double figures several nights a week…. and spice burgers on the way home too.
@Paul Geraghty: Very well said Paul, I couldn’t agree more. It seems like people think that the solution to dealing with genuine alcoholics is to drive some false fear into the rest of us. I’d drink three pints while at Ireland rugby match, saying that such a thing is considered “binge drinking” is pure nonsense. Don’t get me started on bartenders now trying to push people to go for the zero option on their first bloody order. It’s madness I tell you!
@Paul Geraghty: What on earth are you on about out! The same libs who are nearly always the ones pushing for legalisation of cannabis amongst other things. The socially liberal types who absolutely dominate every single hedonistic scene you can think of? Are you even aware of all the various music scenes and subcultures and the gloriously disgraceful carry on that comes as standard?! Seriously get off the internet for a night and head out and have a look around. Only in the most blinkered and untethered to reality echo chambers does your post make any sense! It’s actually funny it’s so wide of the mark!
@Paul Geraghty: from the lefties I know, the vegan diet and yoga is there as remedy to their dualistic lives were on the other hand they are borderline alcoholics. So they’re probably not to blame. The statistic is purely clinical. You shouldn’t drive with 1.5 pints on board so double that would, and does make one intoxicated. Truth hurts.
@James MC: I’ve noticed this link too. It might not be universal but oh boy is it common! There might even be a few memes about it! Half living like a self-care, environmentally conscious saint, with the other half a circus of boozy bedlam!
@SerotoninWars: pop psychology and new age spirituality is the perfect remedy for being a sesh gremlin. Haha. Yeah it’s definitely a thing. It’s why I don’t drink anymore or do any of the new age stuff. And yes, memes are a superior form of communicating these things haha
@James MC: Haha! Uh-oh here comes the mindful sesh gremlin, who is gonna tell everyone about their healthy and ethical lifestyle…when they’re not surrounded by cans with a wobbly jaw! ;)
@SerotoninWars: that was me once upon a time. Preaching about mediation, psychedelic medicine and pop psychology on the sesh. Thinking I was some shaman. I never got into the eco stuff though. Always loved a steak and not great at recycling.
The biggest waste of money and your good years = binge drinking.
@Chris: I was lucky I did most of my drinking when it was cheap. In the 90s 1.85 a pint of beer But relative to today’s wages it’s probably still costing the same for drinkers today
@P. V. Aglue: actually the price of a pint in 1990 was about the same as the hourly wage of a minimum wage shop worker. There was no minimum wage back then but someone in a shop floor sweeping or packing bags would earn about 1.50, which was the price of a pint of Guinness.
Today the price of a Guinness is abiut half the minimum wage, so in a way, the price of the pint has fallen. So the real question is, if it has fallen relatively speaking, why does it feel like it’s gone up relative to my pocket?
@Chris: i had some of the best memories of my ‘good years’ binge drinking. I also managed to fit other interests in as well. To listen to some lads on this thread, you can either be a raging alcoholic or a pioneer running half marathons every week and nothing in between.
These surveys come out every year about binge drinking . Look how the Irish binge drink. They say men between 15 and 24 are most likely to binge drink. 15 year olds are not men. We need to be more worried about what these young men are putting up their nose than what they are putting down their throats. I’m old fashioned, I have a drink, when I’ve had enough I go home. If you’re on the gear, you’ll keep drinking, and that’s the problem.
High blood pressure 8%? That sounds low.
There’s no good in alcohol for anyone. There’s maybe little harm in it for many. But it has the potential to utterly ruin a small number of people’s lives. It shouldn’t be part of society.
@Tired Jim: Indonesia has a Muslim population of 90% and is a multi denominational non secular state in it’s 79th year. Yet Ireland with 1.6% population Muslims is on course to being a full Islamic state. You wanna feel oppressed so bad, Jim. Also if you’re going to bring religion into it, the Bible forbids drunkenness. I look forward to the day all the pubs are closed.
@James MC: jheez look further than the end of your nose. This aint. problem in France.
@Tired Jim: I was absolutely mad craic once upon a time Jim. Now everyday is beautiful. No ups, but also no downs.
@James MC:
I wouldn’t say you get asked to many Xmas parties.
@Regular John: what’s a Christmas party? What are you celebrating?
@Thesaltyurchin: correct me if I am wrong but I believe we are 14th on the list of litres pure alchohol per person per year, in Europe. The French are 5th.
Or we are bigger liars
@James MC: celebrating mid-winter, Christmas is just something the Romans made up, a rebranding of the ol’ Sol Invictus or Saturnalia for their new solo God religion, they even stuck a pine tree in the room and decorated it for those old traditions. BTW, giving presents was a huge part of it too, so when people say Christmas is just about material things and giving presents nowadays…. Think about that, it was part of it from the get go…..
@TheGood Feign: thanks for that, i knew the connection to Roman paganism alright. Didn’t know it extended that far. However “sure what else would you be doing, the Romans did it, 4 weeks of pints, cmon, it’s craic” isn’t selling it to me.
Stopping drinking and smoking ten years ago and life has never been better. Love a good meal Lol.
@Dan Murphy: hope your not binge
Eating or you’ll be in next years survey
First, they came for the smokers..
Some survey,not a mention of drug use or drug addiction…?
People need to exercise more
In my honest opinion, binge drinking is not a problem or maybe I am moving in the wrong circles!!!
@Ollie Fitzpatrick: Ireland
@Ollie Fitzpatrick: A big Ireland-shaped circle, yep.
To quote Homer ” alcohol the cause and solution of all problems ” I hope I got that right.
@Paul O’Mahoney: “To alcohol, the cause of and solution to all of lives problems ” Homer Simpson
Make sure not to mention the bit on 7% of the population suffering long covid. And women being at twice the risk. And the 7 point increase in 15-24 with long term conditions that obviously has nothing to do with the increase on GP visits
@XweEHexO: And that we don’t have access to the best vaccine novavax. Just keep sending the kids into school highly infectious. Don’t bother testing. It doesn’t matter that women are at 2x the risk of this debilitating condition. And that female teachers and mothers and healthcare workers are the most impacted. And that being female is also a risk factor for long COVID in children.and that long COVID in children doubled between March ’23 and March ’24 according to the UK ONS survey. And that it’s been shown in international studies to be far higher in children than previously assumed. I’m sure it’s fine in Ireland. Irish children are resilient. No need to mention anything about any of that. Well done Jane
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