Patterns of alcohol consumption among the general population of Castile and Leon (Spain)

A total of 2500 individuals, aged 14-70, who live in Castile and Leon (Spain), were surveyed in the spring of 1989 with regard to their alcohol consumption and its patterns. Among those surveyed 26.2% were 'daily' drinkers and 66.0% 'weekly' drinkers. Differences of alcohol use (frequency) and intake were reviewed with regard to sociodemographic factors such as gender, age, and marital status. Beer (52.6%) was the favourite drink, with wine (20.6%) the second most commonly consumed alcohol beverage. Most of those surveyed (54.6%) were 'light' drinkers (1-39 g/day of pure alcohol), while 3.0% had an intake of over 80 g/day ('heavy' drinkers). The average age at which they started drinking was 16.2 years. The results allow a better understanding of the pattern of alcohol consumption in Spain.