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The survey on adult drinking patterns in Northern Ireland identified young adult drinkers (18-35 years of age) as those most likely to participate in heavy occasional drinking or binge drinking. This research aimed to investigate the following issues among this target group:

• Perceived benefits of drinking - psychosocial benefits and motivation to drink.
• Drinking context - including with whom, when, where, what and how much.
• Knowledge and attitudes - understanding of current sensible drinking guidelines, perceptions of binge and problem drinking, social acceptability of drinking and being drunk, drink-driving and drinking in front of children.
• Perceived negative effects of drinking - on the individual’s health, mental health and lifestyle, on the family and on society.

The research included findings from 20 semi-structured interviews and 12 focus groups with young people aged between 18 and 35 years throughout Northern Ireland. They belonged to the social class groups C2, D and E, with a slight bias towards men.

The report Attitudes and behaviour of young adult drinkers in Northern Ireland. A qualitative study may be downloaded from the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland website at www.healthpromotionagency.org.uk/Resources/alcohol/youngdrink.htm.

References

1. Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland. Adult drinking patterns in Northern Ireland. Belfast: Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland, 2002.
2. Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland. Attitudes and behaviour of young adult drinkers in Northern Ireland. A qualitative study. Belfast: Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland, 2003.