Demographic variation in weekly alcohol use across countries in the Global Flourishing Study

Alcohol is the most widely consumed psychoactive substance globally, with significant cultural acceptance. While extensive research has examined its relationship with well-being, cross-country comparisons are essential to understanding demographic variations in drinking patterns-particularly given the lack of post-pandemic data across diverse national contexts. This study aims to describe cross-national demographic variations in alcohol use among countries participating in the Global Flourishing Study (GFS).

Using nationally representative data from 22 GFS countries (N = 202,898), we conducted a descriptive analysis of weekly alcohol consumption, examining (1) the mean number of drinks per week, (2) the prevalence of weekly alcohol use, and (3) the mean number of drinks per week among drinkers across demographic groups (age, gender, marital status, employment, education, religious service attendance, and immigration status). A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to synthesize country-level estimates.

We find significant variations across demographic groups and countries. Men, certain age categories, highly educated and employed individuals, as well as those who are divorced, separated, or cohabitating, report higher alcohol intake. Religious service attendance is generally associated with lower alcohol use.

This study highlights significant cross-national differences in alcohol consumption, shaped by demographic, socioeconomic, and cultural factors. Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic countries and those with a lower prevalence of Muslim populations tended to report higher alcohol consumption. Religious salience should be considered in demographic studies on alcohol use. These cross-national differences underscore the need for context-specific research to inform effective alcohol policies tailored to each country's characteristics.