Researchers warn of nation of binge drinkers

A 'culture of intoxication' has taken hold across the UK, Lancashire university researchers have warned.
Members of Lancaster University's criminology team found people under the age of 25 are going to pubs and clubs fully intending to end up very drunk.

A survey of 351 drinkers found most had drunk far more than the recommended daily limit – and were officially binge drinkers.

The study also found little gap between men and women when it comes to heavy drinking.

When interviewed, the women had drunk an average of 5.7 units of alcohol and the men 9.6 units – enough to classify them as 'binge-drinkers' according to the UK definition of six units for women and eight for men.

Criminologist Dr Fiona Measham, who headed the research team, said: "There's a new culture of intoxication in relation to alcohol and illegal drugs in this country.

"People are going out to get drunk and it's this determined drunkenness which is now the norm.

"What they drink – shots, alcopops and cocktails – has changed so you can drink quicker and faster."

When asked how drunk on a scale of one to five boozers in Manchester felt they were, both men and women rated themselves at 1.8 early in the evening but both sexes aimed to achieve a rating of 3.8 out of five by the end of the night.

Preston Today