Binge drinking in Europe

Some 80million Europeans aged 15 years plus (over one fifth of the adult EU population) reported binge drinking (defined as five or more drinks on an occasion, 50g alcohol) at least once a week in 2006, a proportion that has increased since 2003, at least for the adult population of the EU151. Some 25million Europeans aged 15 years plus (1 in 15 of the adult population) reported that binge drinking was their usual pattern of consumption during the previousmonth.

Whereas 24% of those aged 15-24 years reported binge drinking at least once a week in 2006, binge drinking was also common amongst those aged 55+ years, with 18% binging at least once a week. The average amount of alcohol consumed by EU 15-16 years olds on their last drinking occasion was six drinks, 60g alcohol (2003 data).Over 1 in 6 (18%) of EU 15-16 year olds have binged (5+ drinks on a single occasion, 50g alcohol) three times ormore in the last month (2003 data).

Binge drinking has increased across Europe amongst 15-16 years olds since 1995, although less so in recent years.

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