Surge in binge-drinking among Irish people, survey finds
Binge drinking — at least six standard drinks in a session — is showing an upward trend, the annual survey by Ipsos B&A for the Department of Health found. Picture: Johnny Green/PA Wire
The Healthy Ireland survey 2024 has shown a surge in binge-drinking among the Irish public, and, for the first time, has raised concerns about health of carers, who now number one in seven of the population.
Also for the first time, the survey looked at long covid, finding 7% of the population has had this debilitating condition at some point.
Binge drinking — at least six standard drinks in a session — is showing an upward trend, the annual survey by Ipsos B&A for the Department of Health found.
Some 28% of people binge-drank in the last 12 months, up from 24% the year before, and 27% during 2019 pre-pandemic.
Interim chief medical officer, Professor Mary Horgan described the findings as “concerning”.
“The benefit of this survey is we can focus in on interventions that really will educate people on the harms of binge drinking and excess alcohol consumption,” she said during the launch in Dublin.
She said it was especially important children and young people were aware of the “harms of alcohol from a very early age".
Overall, the survey found 38% of people aged 15 or over drink at least once a week, also up on last year, but lower than the 41% seen in 2018. Some 22% drink multiple times per week.
Some 43% of men drink weekly compared to 33% of women, although both genders reported drinking in the last year at similar rates, just over 70%.
The survey shows more half a million people give regular unpaid personal help to friends or family with a long-term illness, health problem or disability.
Some 44% of carers said they also had a long-standing condition, compared to just 36% generally.
The survey showed “higher levels of illnesses and limitations” among parents caring for a child with illness or disability.
“[This] may suggest that the demands of caring — both physical and mental — can exacerbate existing health conditions or contribute to the development of new ones,” the report said.
Ipsos B&A director Kieran O’Leary, said it was “striking” there were “consistently negative differences” between carers’ health and other groups.
The survey also found 7% of respondents experienced long covid, and 3% had long covid diagnosed by a doctor.
Prof Horgan said this was in line with other countries. “This is a new area of concern. We are investing in and developing long covid services in response to this clear need,” she said.
Overall, 81% of people said they were in good or very good health similar to 2023.
However, 40% had a diagnosed long-term health condition. Conditions include high blood pressure (8%), arthritis (6%), and asthma and diabetes (both 5%).
The report also said 41% of people were at least moderately active for at least 150 minutes a week. This did not include walking but did include housework, gardening and cycling.
Questioned on this, Prof Horgan said: “Walking is a really important part of activity, particularly when we get older — for many people walking is their main source of exercise.
"And I certainly would encourage people to walk at least 30 minutes a day for five days if at all possible.”
