Age, alcohol consumption and the experiencing of negative consequences of drinking in four Scandinavian countries.

Abstract

SummaryBased on data from a comparative survey of drinking in four Scandinavian countries (Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden), use of alcohol and negative consequences of drinking were studied in relation W age. Clear differences were found between age‐groups as regards experiencing such negative consequences in respect of both men and women. These differences were to a large extent a reflection of similar differences between the age‐groups in regard to alcohol consumption and intoxication frequency. However, it was also found that when both alcohol consumption and intoxication frequency were maintained at a constant level, age in itself seemed to influence the experiencing of negative consequences. The study also indicates that in all age‐groups there are national differences in drinking patterns and thus in the experiencing of negative consequences of drinking which do not reflect the national differences in total alcohol consumption.