The experiencing of positive consequences of drinking in four Scandinavian countries

Based on data from a comparative survey of drinking in four Scandinavian countries (Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden), the experiencing of positive consequences of drinking was studied in relation to alcohol consumption, intoxication frequency and the experiencing of negative consequences of drinking. In all four countries a substantial portion--both of the men and of the women--reported having experienced various positive effects of drinking during the last 12 months. The positive consequences clearly correlated with yearly alcohol consumption and even more with intoxication frequency. A strong link between the experiencing of positive and negative consequences of drinking was also found. The study also indicates that there are national differences in the experiencing of positive consequences of drinking which do not reflect the national differences in total alcohol consumption.