A Comparative Analysis of Drinking Patterns in Six EU Countries in the Year 2000

Abstract

This paper compares different aspects of drinking habits in six EU countries: France, Italy, Germany, the UK, Finland and Sweden. Frequency of drinking is highest in France and Italy, lowest in Finland and Sweden, and increases with age in France and Italy in particular, but also in Germany. The average consumed quantity per drinking occasion is highest in Finland, Sweden and the UK and lowest in France and Italy, and the youngest show the highest quantity per drinking occasion in most countries. Also intoxication-oriented drinking is most common in Finland, Sweden and the UK, and in all countries except Italy the youngest report the highest frequency of intoxication. The youngest show the highest mean alcohol consumption in Finland, Sweden and the UK, but the lowest in France, Italy and Germany. In all six countries, men consume at least twice as much alcohol as women.