New study reveals that Australia was the world’s drunkest country in 2020
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New study reveals that Australia was the world’s drunkest country in 2020
Aussies being heavy drinkers may not be new news to us, but did you know that we got drunk more times than anyone in any other country last year?
Yes, you heard that right! According to the newly-released Global Drug Survey 2021, which drew responses from more than 32,000 people from 22 countries, Australia emerged as the nation with the most drinkers, with reports stating that on average, Aussies got drunk 27 times in 2020.
It must be noted that the global average is capped at 15 times.
Additionally, trans, non-binary, or intersex citizens were most likely to get drunk, with reports saying that the group gets drunk 35 times a year.
Men and women were reported getting drunk 30 times and 21 times respectively.
It was also revealed that Australians regret getting drunk on 24 per cent of occasions (very relatable), claiming that women are the most likely to regret getting drunk.
Australia emerged as the nation with the most drinkers in 2020, according to the Global Drug Survey 2021. Credit: iStock.
RMIT University's Dr Monica Barratt, who led the Australian arm of the survey, said that the results indicate a change in drinking habits during the pandemic.
Dr Baratt said that although the country has experienced extended lockdowns, most parts of Australia were relatively unaffected by the pandemic compared to European and American nations.
“This may have something to do with us being the highest-ranked country for frequency of getting drunk,” she said.
“Although we can also see drinking cultures play a role, with Nordic, British and North American nations also reporting relatively high frequencies of drunken episodes.”
Australians got drunk 27 times last year. Credit: Global Drug Survey 2021.
Meanwhile, global rates for illegal drug use have decreased during 2020, with reports suggesting that the pandemic and associated restrictions may have contributed to the decline.
Additionally, the rate of those who seek emergency medical treatment due to continuous drug use decreased during the pandemic.
The report also revealed that the cases of drug use in public and monitored settings — such as bars, clubs, and festivals — were less prevalent in 2020.
Dr Barratt said: “While it may indicate that home-based use was less likely to result in harm, it may also be that there were fewer people around, like staff, to call for help.”
“Using while home alone is a risk factor for overdose and may have contributed to elevated rates for some drug types.”
“Australians were less likely than respondents from other countries to report reducing risks, perhaps reflecting the reduced intensity of the pandemic on the lives of most Australians, except Victorians, during 2020.”
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