Lifetime abstinence, long term health

The view that higher rates of morbidity among non-drinkers is largely accounted for by pre-existing ill health and the age distribution of the group is given support by the recently published General Household Survey Report.

The prevalence of long standing illness was higher among non-drinkers and those who drank one unit of alcohol or less per week. However, among the non-drinkers, 52% of men and 58% of women were lifetime abstainers, while 48% of men and 42% of women had stopped drinking. Age-standardised figures show that the prevalence of longstanding illness among men who were lifetime abstainers was no different from what would be expected given the age distribution of the group. There was, however, an exception with women lifelong abstainers.

Men and women who stop drinking for health reasons were the most likely to have a longstanding illness. Differences were less marked for the prevalence of acute illness or those who experienced restricted activity within 14 days prior to the interview. Although those who had stopped drinking for any reason were significantly more likely to report an acute illness.

Reasons for non-drinking among lifetime abstainers (men and women) were religious - 40% and 22% and don't like it - 39% and 57%.

The report also shows that men and women in the highest household income group (more than £500 gross per week, were more likely to exceed 21 or 14 units - 34% of men and 20% of women compared with 14% to 27% of men and 9% to 14% of women in other income groups. The proportion of non-drinkers was higher in lower income groups - 13% of men and 20% of women where the gross weekly income was between £100 to £150 compared with 3% of men and 7% of women in the higher income group.