Public opinion analysis suggesting demographic characteristics of persons tending to favour internal versus external control of drinking behaviour

Abstract

Twelve alcohol-policy items from a 1998 Canadian provincial survey questionnaire were analysed in order to determine the characteristics of adult persons favouring 'external' controls on drinking behaviour, i.e. controls coming from outside the individual, imposed by government, community or family, versus adults not favouring such controls. From a sample of 1205 respondents, 140 (12%) were described as higher-risk drinkers based on their self-reported level of consumption (five or more drinks per occasion at least once a week in the past 12 months). Controlling for other demographic characteristics, logistic regression confirmed a statistically significant relationship between status as a higher-risk drinker and a tendency to express opinions against restrictions on access to alcohol and against external control on the drinking behaviour of the individual. The authors discuss the irony of these findings, namely, that those who are at an elevated risk of harmful consequences of drinking, to themselves and others, are generally most resistant to control measures. The authors also highlight the implications of proposed liberalization of alcohol policy, which is considered from time to time in various jurisdictions. Such liberalization, wherever it may be proposed, would seem to cater to the distinctive mindset of higher-risk heavy drinkers, even though they constitute a small percentage of the population.

• Alcohol
• Survey
• Public Opinion