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Social Consequences of Binge Drinking: A Comparison of Young Adults in Six European Countries

NCJ Number
229138
Journal
Journal of Addictive Diseases Volume: 28 Issue: 4 Dated: October-December 2009 Pages: 294-308
Author(s)
Martin A. Plant, Ph.D.; Moira L. Plant, Ph.D.; Patrick Miller, Ph.D.; Gerhard Gmel, Ph.D.; Sandra Kuntsche, Ph.D.
Date Published
October 2009
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This study explored the possible associations between binge drinking and social consequences among young adults in six European countries.
Abstract
The consequences related to binge drinking studied were more prevalent in the 18 to 23 year olds than in the 24 to 32 year olds and, as expected, binge drinkers, frequent drinkers, and male respondents were more likely than others to suffer problems. However, there were some interesting divergences. The proportion of binge drinkers dropped sharply with age in Denmark and Sweden, than in the other countries. The proportion of women suffering social health or financial consequences was significantly down in 24 to 32 year olds but slightly less so for men. Fights were the least common of the consequences and women were less likely to be involved. The largest differences between the age groups in problems experienced were to be seen among the more frequent drinkers. This study, like a previous study, had been concerned with the social consequences of binge drinking in six European countries (Czech Republic, Denmark, the Isle of Man, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom). The previous study examined these consequences in 24 to 32 year olds. This study compared this age group (n=2,482) with 18 to 23 year olds (n=1,446) in the same countries. The groups responded to questions about their drinking habits and the social consequences directly resulting from their drinking. Tables, figures, and references