Ahead of a significant weekend for women in Ireland, Drinkaware, the national, independent charity working to prevent and reduce alcohol misuse, is sharing insights from its latest research into women's drinking patterns, motivations, and behaviours. Thanks to the Drinkaware Barometer 2023, we can see the trends emerging among Mná na hÉireann regarding their alcohol consumption.
Firstly, what we should note regarding women's alcohol consumption in Ireland is that their level of harmful drinking behaviours is generally lower than that seen for men. For example:
- The incidence of adults that drink at least once weekly is higher among men at 63% than women at 55%
- Binge drinking as a typical pattern in the last 30 days also peaks among male drinkers at almost 1 in 3, compared to just under 1 in 5 female drinkers who typically binge when drinking
- Men's frequency of binge drinking is also significantly higher, with 64% of those who drink consuming six or more standard drinks on at least one occasion in the last 30 days compared to 47% of women who drink.
Of course, we cannot be complacent regarding the above figures, with concerning patterns evident for both men and women. For example, with almost two-thirds of male drinkers and half of female drinkers saying that they have binge drank in the last 30 days, much work remains to ensure that people can be informed and empowered to recognise and tackle their harmful drinking behaviours.
When it comes to women specifically, the 2023 Drinkaware Barometer indicates a worrying rise in harmful drinking patterns since the COVID-19 pandemic. While they may partake in these behaviours less often than their male counterparts, some notable rises are much more pronounced among women over the last few years, including:
- A 10-point increase for females year-on-year who drink weekly; up from 45% in 2022 to 55% in 2023
- A 12-point rise since the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic in women binge drinking at least once in the last 30 days; up from 35% in 2020 to 47% in 2023
Females are also twice as likely as males to indicate that they or someone in their household has increased their consumption of standard drinks in the past 30 days (25% of females compared to 13% of males). Taken alongside the increases outlined above, what is clear is the need for all drinkers and their families and friends to be willing to have open, honest and non-judgemental conversations about alcohol consumption. Ultimately, with data from the Drinkaware Barometer 2023 also showing the highest-ever level of positive intentions from drinkers, these conversations can lead to incremental changes that reap significant benefits.
Drinkaware CEO Dearbhla O'Brien commented:
"Drinkaware's annual Barometer survey shows us Irish adults' real-time behaviours and attitudes towards alcohol. As we examine further how key demographics, such as women, are consuming alcohol, it allows us to offer tailored messages, information and resources that people can use to ensure they are reducing any potential harmful impacts of their relationship with alcohol.
Qualitative research shows that for many women, drinking alcohol is perceived to reduce loneliness and isolation. At the same time, competing responsibilities (working, caring, and domestic duties) lead to many people feeling invisible and unacknowledged. With International Women's Day and Mother's Day both taking place this weekend, now is a great time for all parents, families, friends and loved ones to discuss how the daily stresses of life, from parenthood to work and everything in between, may be impacting their relationship with alcohol.
With 1 in 3 adults in Ireland now saying they would like to drink less, it's worth thinking about the small positive changes you too can make to create a healthier relationship with alcohol in the long-term."
For more information on research projects and publications, visit www.drinkaware.ie/
