Episodic heavy drinking in four Nordic countries: a comparative survey

Aims. The purpose of this study was to compare the phenomenon of episodic h eavy drinking (binge drinking) and its different indicators in the Nordic c ountries. Design. A comparative survey of four Nordic countries. Setting. Telephone interviews in Denmark, 1997; Finland, 1996; Norway, 1996 ; and Sweden 1996-97. Participants. Random samples of men and women aged 19-71 years. Measurement s. Episodic heavy drinking was measured by the frequency of subjective into xication, of drinking six or more drinks at a time (6+), and of negative co nsequences (mainly hangover symptoms). Additionally, annual consumption and measures of intake per occasion were used. Findings. Annual consumption, o verall frequency of drinking and frequency of drinking 6+ were highest in D enmark and lowest in Norway. Frequency of subjectively defined intoxication was highest in Finland. There it was clearly higher than the frequency of drinking 6+, whereas in Denmark the contrary was observed. Finnish and Norw egian men and Danish women reported the largest quantities drunk per occasi on. Results on 6+ frequency and the prevalence of negative consequences, wi th annual consumption held constant, suggest that Danes have the least conc entrated drinking pattern. With annual consumption held constant, Norwegian s report as high a frequency of intoxication, as do Finns. Conclusions. The relations between subjective and more objective measures o f episodic heavy drinking vary considerably between the Nordic countries. T he results suggest that the definition, acceptability and experience of int oxication vary even when a set of relatively homogeneous countries are comp ared.