19.18% Began Consuming Alcohol Before the Age of 16

Alcohol consumption is a tale as old as time. Many cultures consume alcohol during special occasions and holidays. Meanwhile, others consume alcohol during social gatherings or to take the edge off after a long day. In contrast, some are completely against consuming alcohol for a myriad of reasons.

Thus, Real Research launched an alcohol consumption survey to take note of alcohol consumption habits and compare patterns in the consumption of alcohol worldwide. The survey asks respondents questions like what type of alcohol do you drink and why do you drink alcohol. Here are the results.

Highlights

• 66.14% are of legal age to consume alcohol in their country of residence.
• The majority (19.22%) prefer to consume base liquors.
• 3.32% brew their own alcohol for consumption.

51.48% of the Respondents Consume Alcohol

For its first question in the alcohol consumption habits survey, Real Research asks its respondents if they are of legal drinking age to consume alcohol in their country of residence. On this, 6.14% say ‘Yes’. In particular, from the total 30,000 respondents, it seems that the majority of 51.48% consume alcohol. 

Accordingly, the next question asks when these respondents began to consume alcohol. Here, 19.18% say below age 15, 9.94% say between age 16-20, and 12.77% say between age 21-25. Likewise, 4.22% say between age 26-30 and 9.78% say above age 30. Lastly, 44.11% say they never consumed alcohol.

To continue, the next question asks how often the respondents consume alcohol. The responses say ‘Everyday’ (25.16%), ‘more than 4 times a week’ (3.62%), ‘2-3 times a week’ (4.87%), ‘once a week’ (5.35%), ‘once a month’ (4.46%), ‘2-3 times a month’ (2.93%), and ‘i rarely drink’ (8.11%). The rest do not consume alcohol.

The Majority (25.73%) Buy Alcohol at the Airport

Next on the alcohol consumption habits survey, the question asks which type of alcohol do respondents consume the most. The option with the most votes is Base liquors (19.22%). Specifically, Base liquors include Gin, Vodka, Tequila, Rum, Whiskey, and Brandy.

Accordingly, the rest of the responses went as such 14.12% for Beer, 3.83% for Wines and fortified wines (Red, White, Rose, Vermouth, Sherry, Port, Marsala), 2.54% Regional hits (Soju, Sake, Feni, etc), 2. 01% for Cocktails, 1.70% for Bitters/Botanicals.

From the image above, we can see that the majority (25.73%) get their alcohol from the airport. Likewise, 13.12% buy from local cellars and stores, 5.42% buy at pubs and bars, 3.32% make their own liquor, 3.08% buy at restaurants and hotels, and 2.30% often get alcohol as gifts. Lastly, the remaining 47.02% never buy alcohol.  

Respondents Share Key Details Over Alcohol Consumption Habits

The survey goes on to ask more probing questions to attain detailed answers and that determines certain alcohol consumption habits. For instance, the next two questions ask respondents for reasons why they choose to consume and not consume alcohol.

On the matter of consuming alcohol, the majority (20.07%) say they simply enjoy the taste. Likewise, 7.30% say to release stress, 6.91% say to make friends and meet people, 3.05% say to get drunk, and 1.80% say to escape reality.

In contrast, for not consuming alcohol, the majority ‘28.93%’ say it is unhealthy to consume alcohol. Meanwhile, 6.47% say for religious reasons, 5.46% say it is a waste of money, and  2.50% say for medical reasons. In addition, 2.42% say for their fitness goals, 1.80% say it accelerates the aging process, and 1.56% say no hangovers.

Finally, the survey asks when do respondents most often find themselves consuming alcohol. On this, the majority (19.54%) say after a stressful day at work while 6.32% say they consume alcohol most when on a vacation.

Likewise, 3.96% say when they’re home alone, 3.55% say during dinners with colleagues, and 3.24% say during parties with family. Lastly, 3.12% say when clubbing with friends and 2.50% say during public holidays.