News
Drink diary data tells us people consume more than they think
The latest findings on alcohol consumption from the newly
published Health Survey for England show a variation between the amount
of alcohol people claim to drink and how much they actually drink.
The 2011 survey introduced a drink diary chapter for the
first time, a new method of recording the consumption habits of
respondents with the aim of gathering a more accurate data on weekly
drinking levels and patterns.
The data showed that the average number of days people say
they drink in the week was higher when recorded in a drinking diary (at
3.4 for men and 2.9 for women), compared to when reported in a survey
interview (3.2 for men and 2.8 for women).
However, the new data does not appear to affect the
revised trend tables published today. The proportion of both men and
women consuming more than the recommended guidelines (4 units for men, 3
for women) on the heaviest day’s drinking in the last week remains at
39% and 28% respectively, showing no change from 2010 figures. The
proportion of men and women drinking over twice the recommended unit
levels fell by 1% over the same period, from 23% to 22% and 14% to 13%
respectively.
General consumption patterns remain the same a previous
years. Young adults are more likely to drink heavily (binge) on a single
occasion, but drink on fewer days in the week. Adults over 45 are more
likely to drink on most days, but tend to drink less per day. Those from
higher socio-economic groups are more likely to drink above the
guidelines and do so more regularly. Men drink significantly more than
women across most age groups.
1. 
You can find a comprehensive account of the trend data by following this link.
2. 
The key summary of all the Health Survey’s findings is here.