Age is a factor in binge drinking
04 February 2002
Australia is a nation of binge drinkers, with hazardous drinking particularly common in young adults.
Researchers found that more than two-thirds (67 per cent) of alcohol consumed is drunk in a way that is dangerous to health — through heavy binges or by drinking more than 5 days a week.
But hazardous drinking was particularly common in the 18-24 years age group. Drinking that would cause acute or chronic health problems accounted for 93 per cent of all alcohol drunk by men in that age group, and for 82 per cent of young women.
By comparison, 41 per cent of alcohol consumed by those aged 65 or over would cause acute or chronic health problems, the researchers wrote in the Medical Journal of Australia (2002;176:91-92).
Lead author and director of Perth's National Drug Research Institute Professor Tim Stockwell said that contrary to previous beliefs, this research showed that high-risk drinking was extremely common and involved more than just a small number of problem drinkers.
Last Reviewed: 04 February 2002
- 1. Medical Observer Weekly 01/02/02
