New survey is sobering thought for festive binge drinkers

The Stroke Association is today warning the public of the dangers of binge drinking during the festive period. According to a new survey commissioned by The Stroke Association, 57% of respondents stated that they are more likely to binge drink over the Christmas season. This figure highlights a real concern as binge drinkers are at increased risk of developing life threatening illnesses such as stroke. The survey was conducted nationwide between 19 - 22 November using a sample of 1909 adults.

Binge drinking can be a major risk factor for stroke. People who binge drink are twice as likely to have a stroke than non alcohol drinkers. However, 60% of those surveyed did not realise that stroke can be a consequence of binge drinking. Every year 130,000 people a year have a stroke and 10,000 of these occur in people under retirement age.

Results of the survey across the UK also seemed to highlight a lack of understanding amongst the public as to what actually constitutes binge drinking. 75% of people underestimate the recommended daily limits of alcohol for men and women, with only 22% understanding the daily limits are 3-4 units for men and 2-3 units for women. When asked how much alcohol is drunk on an average night, 53% of respondents stated that they drank four or more alcoholic drinks - six units. This constitutes binge drinking which could lead to serious health problems. However, when asked if they ever binge drink, only 29% of respondents considered themselves to be a binge drinker.

The good news is that the public are in favour of learning more about the issues relating to binge drinking. 48% of people believe public awareness campaigns and education would encourage much better understanding of binge drinking. However, only 33% feel health-warning labels on alcoholic beverages would influence their alcohol consumption.

Other results summarised from the survey include the amount of alcohol the public consume, their understanding of binge drinking, the risks and factors that influence them to binge drink:

Alcohol consumption
· The 25 - 34 age group is most likely to consume 10 or more alcohol drinks in one night.
· The North East region is most likely to have 10 or more alcohol drinks in one night.
· The 16 - 24 age group is most likely to drink spirits (20% of respondents).

Understanding of binge drinking
· Only 29% of those surveyed admit to binge drinking, however, when asked how many drinks they consume, 53% revealed they binge drink by consuming four or more drinks in an average night.
· 44% of people in the East Anglia region admit to binge drinking.
· The 16 - 24 age group is the only age group whose majority admits to binge drinking (48%) closely followed by the 25 - 34 age group (44%).

Effects of binge drinking
· Only 40% believed stroke is a consequence of binge drinking.
· When asked what people thought the effects of binge drinking are, liver damage (95%) and dehydration (87%) came up top of the list.
· The 55+ age group are most aware the binge drinking can cause strokes with 45%

Reasons for binge drinking
· 57% of respondents plan to binge drink over the Christmas period.
· 37% claim they drink to unwind after a stressful day.
· Depression is the cause of 23% of males to binge drink.
· 48% highlight being with friends and family as a time to binge drink.

Management of binge drinking
· 88% of people think it is a matter of personal responsibility to manage the issue of binge drinking in the community.
· Only 33% feel it is down to government.
· 32% said health warning labels on alcoholic beverages would encourage better understanding of binge drinking.

Jon Barrick, Chief Executive of The Stroke Association said:

"Every five minutes someone in the UK has a stroke. A stroke is sudden and can come without warning. Anyone can have a stroke, so binge drinkers are increasing their risk of an attack. People are clearly aware that they should exercise control over the amount of alcohol they consume, but over half of those surveyed reveal they still binge drink on an average night out. If this leads to a stroke, it could have extremely seriously consequences such as long-term disabilities or even death.

Our survey reveals that people do consider public awareness campaigns a valuable method of educating people on the issue of binge drinking and The Stroke Association hope that people will begin to balance the enjoyment of the festive season whilst considering the risk factors of binge drinking."

For further information please contact The Stroke Association Media Office on 0207 566 1500 or email press@stroke.org.uk

Notes to editor

1. The Stroke Association conducted the survey on binge drinking across the UK. 1909 people were surveyed between 19 - 22 November. Markettiers4DC carried out the survey on behalf of The Stroke Association.

2. A full breakdown of statistics including gender, age and region is available on request.

3. Binge drinking is defined as consuming six units of alcohol in six hours or one night. A unit of alcohol is equal to half a pint of lager. The recommended daily limits of alcohol consumption are 3-4 units for men and 2-3 units for women.

4. A 1999 report 'Alcohol Consumption and Mortality' which followed almost 6,000 Scottish men over a 20-year period, found that those who drank five or more units a day were twice as likely to die from a stroke compared to non-drinkers. Heavy drinking and binge drinking dramatically increases blood pressure, which is the main risk factor for stroke.

5. Each year over 130,000 people in England and Wales have a stroke. Of all people who suffer from a stroke, about a third are likely to die within the first 10 days, about a third are likely to make a recovery within one month and about a third are likely to be left disabled and needing rehabilitation. Stroke has a greater disability impact than any other medical condition. A quarter of a million people are living with long-term disability as a result of stroke in the UK.

6. The Stroke Association is the only national charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages. It funds research into prevention, treatment and better methods of rehabilitation and helps stroke patients and their families directly through its community services. These include dysphasia support, family support, information services, welfare grants, publications and leaflets. We also campaign, educate and inform to increase knowledge of stroke at all levels of society and we act as a voice for everyone affected by stroke.

7. A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted. Most strokes occur when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain. Some strokes are caused by bleeding in or around the brain from a burst blood vessel. When the blood supply is disrupted, parts of the brain become damaged or destroyed. Some strokes are fatal whist others can cause permanent or temporary paralysis to one side of the body and loss of the ability to speak, read or write. Recovery may be slow and can vary from person to person.

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