UK tops all other countries in Europe for boozing and one key reason blamed
The UK tops the charts for weekly alcohol consumption, with more Brits confessing to drinking at least once a week than any other European nation, according to recent data.
A fresh survey revealed that 46% of Brits admit to having a drink at least once every seven days. This is closely followed by Ireland, where 45% partake in weekly drinking, and the Netherlands and Spain, both at 42%.
The study, conducted by pharmaceutical firm STADA, surveyed 27,000 individuals across 22 countries.
The primary reason participants gave for consuming alcohol was to boost their mood, with 31% citing this as their main motivation. Meanwhile, 23% claimed it helped them unwind or sleep, and 18% used it as a stress reliever.
The data also highlighted that men were significantly more likely to drink on a weekly basis than women - 44% of men compared to 25% of women. They were also twice as likely to indulge in daily drinking (6% versus 3%), reports Surrey Live.
Interestingly, nearly a third of women (32%) confessed they didn't know why they drank, compared to 23% of men.
In terms of smoking, 31% of Europeans light up a cigarette or use other tobacco products at least once a week. The survey discovered that Bulgaria had the highest percentage of weekly smokers (47%), followed by Serbia, with 42%.
Peter Goldschmidt, CEO of STADA, has observed that while many Europeans are keen on preventative health measures and maintaining healthy habits, there's a limit to what they can achieve. He explained: "Stagnating system satisfaction, limited access to preventative and mental healthcare and a perceived lack of fairness fuel frustrations across the continent.
"In their private lives, many Europeans find themselves torn between knowing what is best for them and simultaneously being pulled in another direction by their circumstances and day-to-day responsibilities."
The NHS advises the consumption of no more than 14 units of alcohol per week, optimally spread over at least three days. This amounts to around six standard glasses of wine or six pints of beer with a 4% ABV.
The health service highlights multiple benefits of reducing alcohol intake such as feeling less fatigued, achieving clearer skin, saving funds, decreasing blood pressure, diminishing risks of stroke and cancer, and lowering cholesterol levels. Enhanced moods, improved memory and sleep, along with assistance in weight management, are also cited as advantageous outcomes of cutting down on booze.
A significant portion (49%) of the European populace recognises the potential to embark on healthier lifestyle choices. Amongst those yearning for betterment, 39% indicated that reduced workplace stress would help alter detrimental habits, and 36% expressed a desire for a calmer home life to facilitate positive changes.
The NHS clarifies that consuming more than 14 units of alcohol a week for a decade or longer can lead to serious health conditions such as mouth cancer, throat cancer, breast cancer, stroke, heart disease, liver disease, brain damage, and damage to the nervous system.
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