Drinkaware reveals insights into women’s drinking habits

The Drinkaware Barometer shows that women are twice as likely as men to report that they or someone in their household has increased alcohol consumption in the previous 30 days

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. The Drinkaware Barometer 2023 shows in detail, the trends emerging among women in Ireland regarding their alcohol consumption.

In Ireland, men demonstrate higher rates of harmful drinking behaviours compared to women. Specifically, 63% of men drink at least once weekly, while the figure stands at 55% for women. Additionally, binge drinking in the last 30 days is more prevalent among male drinkers, with nearly one in three engaging in this behaviour, compared to just under one in five female drinkers. The frequency of binge drinking is notably higher among men, with 64% consuming six or more standard drinks on at least one occasion in the last 30 days, compared to 47% of women.

The 2023 Drinkaware Barometer highlights concerning trends in harmful drinking among women, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. There has been a 10 point increase in the percentage of females drinking weekly, rising from 45% in 2022 to 55% in 2023. The incidence of binge drinking among women has risen by 12 points since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing from 35% in 2020 to 47% in 2023.

Females are twice as likely as males to report an increase in standard drink consumption in the past 30 days (25% of females compared to 13% of males). Drinkaware stresses the importance of open, honest conversations about alcohol consumption among all drinkers and their social circles. With data from the Drinkaware Barometer 2023 indicating the highest-ever level of positive intentions from drinkers, these conversations can lead to meaningful changes with significant benefits.

Dearbhla O’Brien, chief executive officer, Drinkaware, said: “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.”