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# a few too many
Irish people describe in detail just how much they drink
The fear is real, and so is the hangover.
HAVE YOU EVER had the fear after a night out? If it’s any consolation, you’re not alone.
In a recent survey, 2,393 Irish people were asked to share their drinking habits.
Almost three in ten reported feeling regret or guilt after consuming too much alcohol.
38.5% of those questioned said they want to drink less, while 2.8% had to seek emergency medical attention after drinking too much – both these figures represent the highest response rate of the 50-plus countries surveyed.
Here are some of the findings:
- 27.2% of people reported feelings of guilt or regret after drinking in the last month or year
- 11.6% said someone in their life had expressed concern about the amount they’re drinking
- 55.9% of people had been harrassed by someone who was drunk recently
- 16.9% of people drink more than 10 drinks when they’re out
Of the 38.5% who said they want to drink less over the next 12 months, 15.5% reported they would like help in this regard, while 2.2% indicated they planned to seek help to cut down on their drinking.
When asked, 34.3% of respondents from Ireland thought it is legal to serve alcohol to individuals who are drunk, 22.4% thought it is illegal and 43.3% didn’t know.
Globally, eight in ten people thought that if someone who was obviously drunk tried to get served alcohol in a bar or nightclub in their country they would get served.
The Global Drug Survey questioned 102,000 people from over 50 countries about their alcohol and drug use, making it the largest annual drug and alcohol survey in the world.
It does not take a cross-section of every demographic but rather looks to probe trends and attitudes among people who have had some experience using drugs or alcohol.
Of the 2,393 people interviewed from Ireland, 1,199 were men and 1,151 were women. The mean age of the participants here was 25.6 years, compared to 29.3 years internationally.
If you think you’re drinking too much and want help, visit Drinks Meter.
More from the survey:
Ireland has the highest percentage of people who need medical help after drinking too much
Irish people describe their drug use
