Alcohol Drinking Patterns and Prevalence of Alcohol-Abuse and Dependence in the Israel National Health Survey
Isr J Psychiatry Relat Sci Vol 44 No. 2 (2007) 126–135


Coexistence of disparate religious/cultural mores with regard to alcohol drinking within the changing social milieu of Israel provides an informative environment for investigation of alcohol consumption patternsand alcohol-related mental disorders.

Half of the 4,859 respondents reported any alcohol consumption in the year prior to interview; 5% drink 3 ormore times weekly. DSM-IV criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence (lifetime) were met by 4.3% of respondents. Significantly higher rates were found among males (AOR, adjusted odds ratio=7.3), younger adults (AOR=5.0), immigrants from the former Soviet Union (AOR=2.0), and those who were never married (AOR=1.6).

Under-reporting remains a potential concern in health behavior surveys, particularly in the face of opposing religious norms.

The lifetime prevalence of alcohol abuse in Israel is identical to other European countries while drinking levels are considerably lower, suggesting a biological sensitivity alongside socio-cultural factors.

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