The amount of alcohol typically consumed to reach what respondents considered an ideal level of intoxication was almost double the upper limit recommended in most countries.

Chapter 2 - The world’s favorite drug: What we have learned about alcohol from over 500,000 respondents to the Global Drug Survey. Emma L. Davies et al. In The Handbook of Alcohol Use; Understandings from Synapse to Society, 2021, Pages 17-47. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-816720-5.00022-0

Rolf Degen's take: The amount of alcohol typically consumed to reach what respondents considered an ideal level of intoxication was almost double the upper limit recommended in most countries

Abstract: The Global Drug Survey (GDS) runs the world’s largest anonymous annual web survey of drug use. This chapter provides an overview of GDS history and methods before presenting alcohol findings from 2015 to 2020, starting with drinking prevalence in respondents from different countries. Then, we explore intoxication, regrets, and pre-loading. Many GDS respondents consume in excess of weekly guidelines in order to feel their desired level of intoxication. Next, we discuss harms from drinking, including seeking emergency treatment and harms from others’ drinking. We then examine GDS data about interventions. While digital tools are popular, heavier drinkers in the sample preferred face to face specialist support. Our findings on alcohol labeling are stark; two-thirds of respondents were unaware about links between alcohol and cancer. Finally, we reflect on what we need to do better in order to improve diversity of the GDS sample. Our research with trans participants is helping us to understand and advocate for trans people who use alcohol. However, there is work to do to include and advocate for more diverse groups of people. Throughout, we discuss practical implications and further research that is needed to help reduce harms associated with the world’s favorite drug.

Keywords: alcoholinternational surveyalcohol harmsintoxicationinterventions