There has been a cultural shift in alcohol consumption among adults in Ireland, with 30% saying they have changed their habits for the better.
The Drinkaware Barometer 2023 found 36% of adults now agree they would like to drink alcohol less often.
While 41% said they have made small positive changes to their drinking habits in the past 30 days.
Drinkaware CEO Dearbhla O'Brien said younger people especially are cutting back on alcohol.
“They tend to be embracing a healthy lifestyle and are just not placing the same emphasis on alcohol,” she said.
“It’s preventing them from being fit for the gym the next day etc.
“So, people are just more conscious; they’re also much more conscious of their mental wellbeing and we think that’s not a coincidence either.”
A couple raises their pints of beer . (Photo by Dinendra Haria / SOPA Images/Sipa USA)It is a trend that Ms O’Brien hopes is only just beginning.
“We think it would be fantastic if it did continue,” she said.
“I think that’s the point; we need to build on that trend and this momentum to help people who do want to drink less to stop drinking to the extent that they have been.
“We just need to give people the tools and the information and the support to do so.”
Anyone who is worried they have a drinking problem can call the HSE’s helpline on 1800 459 459 from Monday to Friday between 9:30 am and 5:30 pm.
Main image: Pint of Guinness. Picture by: Holger Burmeister / Alamy Stock Photo
