QUEBECERS AND ALCOHOL 2012
978-2-923548-35-07 Legal deposit 2012
INTRODUCTION Two things stand out in the 2012 survey on Quebecers and Alcohol: one is how consistent answers have been over the last ten years, and the other is a certain tolerance toward occasional heavy drinking combined with a fear of the effects of regular drinking on health and the development of alcohol dependency. Attitudes and opinions are so entrenched that many of the 2012 results are very similar to those obtained in 2002 and 2007, or within the margin of error, particularly with regard to the social acceptability of alcohol, the circumstances in which people drink, and even people s general opinions about drinking. Beliefs change slowly. As seen previously, more than eight out of ten Quebecers drink, and wine is now solidly positioned as the alcoholic beverage consumed most frequently and by the most people: three quarters of Quebecers now apreciate wine. Beer is dropping slightly in popularity it is a favourite among six out of ten respondents while spirits remain the consistent choice of about one in two Quebecers. The most reassuring information revealed by the survey is that, overall, Quebecers have learned how to make alcohol a part of their daily lives. They have smoothly incorporated a certain model of drinking in their lifestyle and they are increasingly aware of various aspects of their drinking. In addition, they are very interested in learning more about drinking, specifically about low-risk drinking guidelines. Furthermore, we are pleased to note that our position on drunk driving has been strongly vindicated. INCORPORATING THE VALUE OF MODERATION Éduc alcool is obviously delighted to see that its slogan, La modération a bien meilleur goût/moderation is always in good taste, still tops the awareness charts. The fact that almost all French-speaking Quebecers know the slogan, along with now 85% of no-french speakers, is impressive enough. But the really good news in this survey is how moderation is becoming part of everyday life. We can be proud of the fact that, on average, Quebecers have just over three standard drinks a week, and they tend to have two and a half drinks per drinking occasion. It cannot be a coincidence that this amount corresponds to the approximate number of drinks after which it becomes illegal to drive. The connection is clear. We are also very pleased to note that the vast majority of Quebecers drink in places and under circumstances that promote moderation. They tend to drink at home, with friends and in restaurants, to celebrate happy events or when enjoying a good meal. Drinking is associated with relaxation and it is more about socializing than dependency. The latest alcohol sales statistics in Quebec show a decline in the average purchase of 0.1 litre of pure alcohol per person per year, but a drop of half a litre of pure alcohol per drinker. This is consistent with the fact that Quebecers no longer seem to have the same drinking-related problems observed five or six years ago. Most indicators are even trending downward in this regard, although they are within the margin of error. 1
REAL PROBLEMS STILL REQUIRE REAL ATTENTION We can t let the good news obscure the fact that vigilance is still required. In fact, it is more necessary than ever. There is no ignoring the results showing that 10% of regular drinkers felt that their drinking had a harmful effect on their health in the last year. Nor can we ignore the 6-7% of drinkers who admit to drinking heavily on a weekly basis. Now that low-risk drinking guidelines have been established and widely publicized, we must pay attention to the fact that 27% of women who drink and 37% of men have exceeded the recommended weekly limits (3 drinks for women and 4 drinks for men) at least once a month in the last year. It is more important than ever to get the message across that moderation is a rule to which there can be no exceptions. Getting drunk even once is once too often. Another disturbing statistic is the nearly 7% of drivers who admit having driven with a blood-alcohol content above the legal limit. On the other hand, there is reason to celebrate the fact that almost all Quebecers know the Éduc alcool recommendations for pregnant women: abstain from drinking from the moment you begin trying to conceive and continue abstaining throughout the pregnancy. However, and this is surely because of the lack of irrefutable scientific data on the subject, a majority of Quebecers believe that occasional drinking will not harm the fetus, or that the risk factor is very low. Not surprisingly, therefore, nearly three out of ten Quebecers think it is acceptable for a woman to drink occasionally during pregnancy. THE CHALLENGE AHEAD The results of the 2012 survey, which included new questions about low-risk drinking guidelines, reveal that Quebecers have a sometimes contradictory relationship with alcohol, and that they hold a number of biases, most likely based on inherited beliefs. For example, there is a certain degree of tolerance for heavy drinking when it is occasional, even for pregnant women, and some people willingly admit that they exceed the recommended limits now and then, often at least once a month. On the other hand, people are very suspicious of regular drinking, even if it falls within the low-risk drinking guidelines. Seven out of ten Quebecers would consider a woman who has 2 drinks a day, 5 days a week, or a man who has 3 drinks a day, 5 or 6 days a week, to be an alcoholic. Even if someone has 1 drink a day, 5 or 6 days a week, almost half of all Quebecers would still call that alcoholism. This means Éduc alcool faces a considerable challenge in educating Quebecers about the relationship between drinking quantity and frequency. We have to de-dramatize regular drinking provided it is within the low-risk guidelines and warn people about heavy drinking, even if it s only occasional. We understand that we are dealing with deeply entrenched opinions and perceptions, but that is the lot of any educational organization. 2
Another important lesson to be learned from this survey is that we must not let down our guard or give up any ground when it comes to awareness. It is disappointing to note that only three out of ten Quebecers know that there is as much alcohol in one serving of beer as there is in a serving of wine or spirits. Ten years ago, 53% of respondents knew this, and five years ago, 43% of them did. We lost 20 points in ten years, and are practically back to where we were in 1996, when 28% were aware of the equivalence. There s a simple reason for this: in the last ten years, the subject has received minimal attention. The survey shows what happened. Finally, Quebecers have told us very clearly where they want more information: how to talk about drinking with their children, the latest scientific data on the beneficial or harmful effects of drinking, and the relationship between alcohol and health. These are their top three priorities. People have also told us about their specific needs. They want to drink, but they want us to keep helping them learn how to drink better. We will address those needs by providing practical information: how to be a responsible host, tools for measuring blood-alcohol content, the amount of alcohol it is safe to drink if you are driving, what a standard drink is. In short, Quebecers want us to continue helping them become more responsible for their own drinking. DRINKING AND DRIVING: OUR POSITION IS VINDICATED This year s survey examined the issue of drinking and driving in more depth, and the results show clearly that Éduc alcool was spot on in promoting measures based on research done here and elsewhere, or that it felt intuitively were appropriate. An ever-increasing number of Quebecers (now 83%) believe it is a crime to drive after abusing alcohol, but not after just one drink. Five years ago, 76% believed that. And while, five years ago, a slight majority of people were in favour of a zero-alcohol law for all drivers, a solid majority (62%) are now against it. In fact, only three in ten Quebecers think the current law is not strict enough. Éduc alcool has taken an unequivocal stand on impaired driving. Based on accepted scientific data, we believe that the single most important factor in changing behaviour on the roads is whether people believe they will be arrested if they break the law. We have also stated loudly and clearly that before there can be any discussion on blood-alcohol content, the number of police sobriety checkpoints must be increased and people have to know about them. We have been proven right. While 6% of drivers admit having driven while over the legal limit, this is largely because two thirds of drivers think there is little or no danger of being stopped for impaired driving in Quebec. This attitude is perfectly understandable, given that we now know that 70% of drivers did not encounter a single police checkpoint in the last year (the figure rises to 75% in the Montreal region) and, even worse, that nearly two thirds of them did not even see a sobriety checkpoint in the last 12 months. We shall continue to call for such basic measures to be implemented as a precondition for any conversation on drunk driving. 3
HIGH CREDIBILITY MEANS ADDED RESPONSIBILITY Finally, we will be forgiven for noting with unabashed pride and satisfaction that Éduc alcool s credibility rating still stands at an impressive 92%. That figure is both gratifying and encouraging. It recognizes our successes and reminds us of what remains to be accomplished. We are responsible for continuing to improve Quebecers relationship with alcohol in that hope that all will truly come to believe that moderation is always in good taste. The Éduc alcool Board of Directors 4
THE 2012 SURVEY The survey results are based on 1,101 telephone interviews conducted from February 22 to March 6, 2012, with a representative sample of the Quebec population age 15 and over, able to speak either English or French. The estimated margin of error is +/- 3% for the entire sample. Unless otherwise indicated, the highlights apply to all Quebec respondents, French- and English-speaking, age 15 and over. MOST NOTABLE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN 2007 AND 2012 Compared to the last survey, more people stated that, compared to other places, home is where they are most likely to drink alcohol (65% in 2012 vs. 60% in 2007). Total - all other places: 33% in 2012 vs. 39% in 2007. More respondents consider themselves to be more aware of the concept of moderate and reasonable drinking (73% in 2012 vs. 69% in 2007). Fewer people than in 2007 (32% vs. 41%) know that there is the same amount of alcohol in equivalent servings of beer, wine and spirits. Compared to 2007, fewer Quebecers think that the risk of a road accident is a problem related to heavy drinking (9% vs. 16%). But more of them thought that heavy drinking could cause health problems (36% vs. 28%). This year, Quebecers are leaning away from a law that would set the legal blood-alcohol limit for driving at 0 mg: 41% are in favour of such a law, while 59% are against. In the 2007 survey, 51% were in favour and 48% were against. DRINKING HABITS In the last 12 months, six out of ten Quebec women (62%) had three drinks or more on a single occasion at least once, while two thirds of Quebec men (67%) had four drinks or more. Not counting other alcoholic beverages (cider, coolers, Port, etc.), a new category introduced in 2007, more than eight out of ten (83%) Quebecers 15 and over drink alcohol: 25% drink more than once a week, 20% drink once a week and 38% drink occasionally; 17% do not drink at all. Including the new category, the percentage of drinkers is essentially the same (84%) and breaks down as follows: 25% drink more than once a week, 21% drink once a week and 38% drink occasionally; 16% do not drink at all. Among drinkers, the percentage by category is as follows: wine - 74%; beer - 61%; spirits - 47%; other drinks - 36%. 5
As observed in both 2007 and 2002, wine is again the alcoholic beverage consumed most regularly. This contrasts with the 1990s, when beer topped the list. Currently, more than one third of Quebecers (32%) 15 and over drink wine once a week or more, which is a considerable 13% increase since 1991. On average, Quebecers have 3.3 alcoholic drinks a week. Over the last year, alcohol was consumed most frequently at home (65%) or at the homes of friends and family (18%). Like 2007 and 2002, the 2012 survey shows that the main circumstances under which alcohol is consumed are to celebrate a happy event (94%), when dining in a restaurant (79%) or when dining at home (77%). In the last 12 months, more than one in twenty drinkers (6%) felt that drinking had had a harmful effect on their physical health. This percentage is similar to the 2007 survey (8%). OPINIONS AND ATTITUDES A majority of Quebecers (53%) believe that occasional drinking during pregnancy entails only a small risk or no risk to the fetus. This is similar to the 2007 figure (52%). Nearly three quarters of respondents (73%) think that Quebecers are more aware than they were five years ago of the concept of moderate and sensible drinking. Note that 69% of them believed this in 2007 and 76% did in 2002. People attribute this greater awareness primarily to the media and advertising about moderation (60%). As in the past, nine out of ten Quebecers find it perfectly acceptable to drink during an evening among friends (90%), to celebrate a happy event (90%) or during an evening meal at home (85%). Fewer people find it acceptable to drink to overcome shyness in public (18%) or to forget problems (6%). Approximately seven out of ten respondents agreed with the following statements: Having 2 or 3 drinks a day, 5 or 6 days a week, leads to alcoholism (76%); A cigarette is more harmful than a glass of alcohol (74%); Most people are able to drink reasonably (68%); Moderate drinking is good for one s health (65%); Alcohol provides enjoyment (64%); and Alcohol is a drug (63%). Note that the percentage of Quebecers who agree with the statement Alcohol is a drug (63%) has declined since 2007 (67%), while the percentage of people who agree that Most people are able to drink reasonably (68%) is up since 2007 (64%). 32% of Quebecers know that there is the same amount of alcohol in a standard serving of beer, wine or spirits. That percentage has been dropping since 2002. 6
Quebecers believe that 1.3 drinks a day constitutes moderate drinking. Half of Quebec women (51%) believe that comprehensive and objective information on the subject would be most likely to convince them not to drink during pregnancy. Quebecers believe that the main problems associated with heavy drinking are health problems (36%), alcoholism and addiction (26%), family difficulties (22%), behavioural problems (18%), financial problems (15%) and relationship difficulties (17%). The percentage of people who believe that road accidents are a problem is 9%, down 7 points since 2007. DRINKING AND DRIVING Quebecers consider it criminal behaviour to drive after drinking heavily (83%) but not after having one drink (16%). In fact, even more people make this distinction than did in 2007 (76% and 21%). About six in ten (62%) believe that the current legal blood-alcohol limit for driving of 0.08 mg is just strict enough. That result is similar to 2007. However, 41% said they would be in favour of dropping the limit to 0, while 59% were against. In the last survey, 51% were for and 48% were against. On average, people believe it takes 2.5 drinks for someone to be deemed criminally responsible for driving. The 2007 result was essentially the same (2.4). Among the drivers surveyed (83% of respondents), nearly half (46%) say they have driven after drinking within the legal limit. And more than one in twenty (6%) admit having driven after drinking more than the legal limit. These results are all very similar to the 2007 results (85%, 47% and 7%). Seven out of ten of drivers (69%) said they had not once passed through a police sobriety checkpoint in the last year; the figure is 75% for the Montreal region. And 62% had not even seen such a checkpoint in the last year. Also, 63% of all drivers and 64% of drivers who drink alcohol think it is not very or not at all likely that they will be stopped for drunk driving at a police checkpoint in Quebec. ADVERTISING TO PROMOTE MODERATION A full 90% of Quebecers know the slogan La modération a bien meilleur goût/moderation is always in good taste, up 5 points since 2007 (85%). Among French-speaking adults, the figure rises to 94%. Without prompting, 16% of Quebecers associate the slogan La modération a bien meilleur goût/moderation is always in good taste with Éduc alcool and 18% associate it with the SAQ. This is an improvement since 2007, when the figures were 13% and 25%. Just under half of Quebecers (44%) think that the slogan La modération a bien meilleur goût/moderation is always in good taste helps people drink more moderately and reasonably. The percentage was similar in 2007 (48%). 7
Overall awareness of Éduc alcool remains at 68%, the same as in 2007. Nine out of ten Quebecers (91%) think Éduc alcool is very or somewhat credible. Again this year, Quebecers believe that the main reasons the industry invests in campaigns to promote moderation are: road accidents (27%), to educate people and prevent abuse (16%) and its social conscience (12%). As part of a public education campaign on alcohol, Quebecers would be particularly interested in the following subjects: teaching children about drinking (71%), the latest scientific data on the beneficial or harmful effects of drinking (70%), alcohol and health (67%) how hosts can serve alcohol and ensure the safety of their guests (64%). 8
QUESTIONNAIRE 1. Do you totally agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or totally disagree with the consumption of alcohol (beer, wine, cider, spirits) in the following circumstances : a) For a dinner at home Totally agree........................................ 38 35 Somewhat agree...................................... 49 49 Somewhat disagree.................................... 7 9 Totally disagree...................................... 5 6 DNK/Refusal........................................ - 1 b) For an evening among friends Totally agree........................................ 44 44 Somewhat agree...................................... 47 45 Somewhat disagree.................................... 5 4 Totally disagree...................................... 4 6 DNK/Refusal........................................ 1 1 c) To achieve a light sense of well-being Totally agree........................................ 9 9 Somewhat agree...................................... 28 27 Somewhat disagree.................................... 28 30 Totally disagree...................................... 34 32 DNK/Refusal........................................ 1 1 d) To celebrate a happy event Totally agree........................................ 49 48 Somewhat agree...................................... 41 42 Somewhat disagree.................................... 4 4 Totally disagree...................................... 5 6 DNK/Refusal........................................ 1 0 e) To forget one s problems Totally agree........................................ 3 2 Somewhat agree...................................... 6 4 Somewhat disagree.................................... 16 22 Totally disagree...................................... 74 72 DNK/Refusal........................................ - 1 f) To relax after work Totally agree........................................ 16 15 Somewhat agree...................................... 42 40 Somewhat disagree.................................... 23 24 Totally disagree...................................... 18 20 DNK/Refusal........................................ 1 1 9
10 g) For a midday meal in a restaurant Totally agree........................................ 11 9 Somewhat agree...................................... 29 27 Somewhat disagree.................................... 32 32 Totally disagree...................................... 26 31 DNK/Refusal........................................ 1 1 h) To overcome one s shyness in public Totally agree........................................ 5 4 Somewhat agree...................................... 16 14 Somewhat disagree.................................... 30 37 Totally disagree...................................... 48 44 DNK/Refusal........................................ 1 1 2. Now we would like to ask you a few questions about your alcohol consumption habits Have you ever consumed beer, wine, cider, spirits or any other alcoholic beverages (coolers, pre-mixed drinks, etc.)? Yes............................................... 94 93 No............................................... 6 7 3. In the PAST 12 MONTHS, have you consumed beer, wine, cider, spirits or any other alcoholic beverages (coolers, pre-mixed drinks, etc.)? Yes............................................... 84 84 No............................................... 10 9 Non-drinker......................................... 6 7 Among those who did not drink during the last 12 month 4. What is the main reason YOU STOPPED DRINKING? n = 115 n = 116 Age............................................... 2 2 Moderation campaigns................................. 0 0 Change of habits (go out less/work more).................... 5 5 Personal choice...................................... 13 7 Cost/price.......................................... 1 1 Stricter laws (motor vehicles).............................. 0 1 Alcohol problem (alcoholism)............................. 11 12 Matter of taste, tastes change............................. 14 16 Family responsibilities.................................. 4 8 Health............................................. 23 25 Awareness of alcohol-related consequences................... 3 1
n = 115 n = 116 Pregnant/pregnancy................................... 8 3 No need/not necessary................................ -- 4 Other............................................. 11 3 DNK/Refusal........................................ 5 12 Among those who consumed beer, wine, cider, spirits, or other alcoholic beverages in the past 12 months 5. Would you say that YOU now consume MORE, LESS or NEITHER MORE NOR LESS alcohol (beer, wine, cider, spirits) than you did 5 years ago? n = 930 n = 918 Less............................................... 30 32 More.............................................. 18 17 Neither more nor less.................................. 51 50 Didn t drink 5 years ago................................ 2 1 Among those who drink less today than 5 years ago 6. What is the main reason you now consume less alcohol? n = 279 n = 292 Age............................................... 23 17 Change of habits (go out less/work more).................... 17 25 Personal choice...................................... 10 11 Cost/price.......................................... 2 3 Stricter laws (motor vehicles).............................. 1 2 Alcohol problem (alcoholism)............................. 1 0 Matter of taste, changing tastes........................... 15 7 Family responsibilities.................................. 9 12 Health............................................. 13 11 Awareness of alcohol-related negative effects.................. 3 1 Pregnant/pregnancy................................... 1 1 No need/not necessary................................ -- 1 Not interested........................................ -- 3 Other............................................. 3 2 DNK/Refusal........................................ 2 3 Among those who drink more today than 5 years ago 7. What is the main reason you now consume more alcohol? n = 157 n = 126 Age............................................... 23 26 Amusement/fun/friends................................. 23 16 Personal choice...................................... 2 1 Cost price (less expensive, specials)........................ 0 2 11
n = 157 n = 126 Better knowledge/appreciation of wines..................... 10 9 By habit............................................ 3 6 More money to spend.................................. 5 6 More choice......................................... 1 1 More occasions to drink................................. 12 13 Alcohol problem, dependency, alcoholism.................... 1 0 Changing tastes...................................... 5 9 Relaxation.......................................... 7 2 Awareness of alcohol-benefits........................... 1 0 Availability at an SAQ outlet............................. -- 1 Other............................................. 5 3 DNK/Refusal........................................ 2 7 Among those who consumed beer, wine, cider, spirits, or other alcoholic beverages in the past 12 months 8. On average, in the past 12 months, how often did you consume alcoholic beverages? Did you drink: n = 930 n = 918... every day........................................ 8 5... 4 to 6 times a week.................................. 7 5... 2 to 3 times a week.................................. 23 20... Once a week...................................... 20 17... 2 to 3 times a month................................. 15 22... or once a month or less............................... 28 31 Among those who did drink during the last 12 months 8. On average, in the past 12 months, how often did you consume alcoholic beverages? Did you drink:. Total 2012 n = 918 % Less than once a month................................. 18 Once a month....................................... 13 2 to 3 times a month................................... 22 Once a week........................................ 17 Twice a week........................................ 11 3 times a week....................................... 9 4 times a week....................................... 3 5 times a week....................................... 2 6 times a week....................................... 0 7 times a week....................................... 5 Average............................................ 2,0 12
Among those who consumed beer, wine, cider, spirits, or other alcoholic beverages in the past 12 months 9. On the days when you drink, how many drinks do you usually have? n = 930 n = 918 1 drink or less....................................... 29 29 2 or 3 drinks........................................ 54 54 4 or 5 drinks........................................ 11 11 6 or 7 drinks........................................ 3 2 8 drinks or more...................................... 3 4 DNK/Refusal........................................ 1 0 9. On the days when you drink, how many drinks do you usually have? Total 2012 n = 918 % 1 drink or less....................................... 29 2 drinks............................................ 38 3 drinks............................................ 16 4 drinks............................................ 8 5 drinks............................................ 3 6 drinks............................................ 2 7 drinks............................................ 0 8 drinks or more...................................... 4 Average............................................ 2,5 10. Do you consume the following alcoholic beverages more than once a week, about once a week, occasionally or never? a) Beer More than once a week................................. 13 12 About once a week.................................... 14 13 Occasionally........................................ 37 36 Never............................................. 36 39 b) Wine More than once a week................................. 15 17 About once a week.................................... 18 15 Occasionally........................................ 40 42 Never............................................. 27 26 c) Spirits (Scotch, Vodka, etc.) More than once a week................................. 3 2 About once a week.................................... 5 5 Occasionally........................................ 41 40 Never............................................. 52 53 13
d) Other alcoholic beverages (cooler, cider, port, etc.) More than once a week................................. 1 0 About once a week.................................... 2 3 Occasionally........................................ 35 33 Never............................................. 61 63 Among those who consumed beer, wine, cider, spirits, or other alcoholic beverages in the past 12 months 11. During the past year, did you often, occasionally, rarely or never consume alcohol... n = 930 n = 918 a)... at home? Often.............................................. 35 36 Occasionally........................................ 39 42 Rarely............................................. 19 18 Never............................................. 7 5 b)...in a restaurant? Often.............................................. 16 15 Occasionally........................................ 46 49 Rarely............................................. 21 21 Never............................................. 17 15 c)...in a bar? Often.............................................. 14 15 Occasionally........................................ 19 16 Rarely............................................. 15 17 Never............................................. 52 51 d)... in a nightclub? Often.............................................. 9 6 Occasionally........................................ 9 9 Rarely............................................. 12 11 Never............................................. 69 73 e)... at friends houses? Often.............................................. 19 23 Occasionally........................................ 62 58 Rarely............................................. 12 12 Never............................................. 8 7 f)... while playing games of chance (video lottery terminals, poker, cards, bingo, casino, etc.)? Often.............................................. 3 2 Occasionally........................................ 7 7 Rarely............................................. 7 7 Never............................................. 83 84 14
12. Where do you most often consume alcohol? Is it... n = 930 n = 918... at home.......................................... 60 65... in a restaurant..................................... 9 7... in a bar.......................................... 9 6... in a nightclub...................................... 2 1... at friends houses................................... 17 18... elsewhere........................................ 2 1 DNK/Refusal........................................ - 1 Among those who did drink during the last 12 months 13. Do you ever consume alcohol (beer, wine, cider, spirits) in the following circumstances : n = 921 n = 900 a) While having a meal at home Yes............................................... 77 77 No............................................... 22 23 b) While having a meal in a restaurant Yes............................................... 78 79 No............................................... 22 21 c) Alone Yes............................................... 29 31 No............................................... 71 69 d) To celebrate a happy event Yes............................................... 94 94 No............................................... 6 6 e) To relax Yes............................................... 47 45 No............................................... 53 55 Women who did drink during the last 12 months 14. In the past 12 months, how many times have you had more than THREE drinks ON ONE OCCASION? Total 2012 n = 531 % Never............................................. 37 Less than once a month................................. 35 Once a month....................................... 16 2 to 3 times a month................................... 7 Once a week........................................ 2 2 to 3 times a week.................................... 1 Every day or almost every day............................ 1 15
Men who did drink during the last 12 months 15. In the past 12 months, how many times have you had more than FOUR drinks ON ONE OCCASION? Total 2012 n = 531 % Never............................................. 33 Less than once a month................................. 30 Once a month....................................... 18 2 to 3 times a month................................... 10 Once a week........................................ 4 2 to 3 times a week.................................... 4 Every day or almost every day............................ 1 Among those who consumed beer, wine, cider, spirits, or other alcoholic beverages in the past 12 months 16. How many drinks do you usually have per week? n = 930 n = 918 None.............................................. 26 28 1 to 5 drinks......................................... 49 51 6 to 10 drinks........................................ 13 12 Over 10 drinks....................................... 9 6 DNK/Refusal........................................ 2 2 16. How many drinks do you usually have per week? Total 2012 n = 918 % None.............................................. 28 1 drink............................................ 17 2 drinks............................................ 13 3 drinks............................................ 9 4 drinks............................................ 7 5 drinks............................................ 5 6 drinks............................................ 4 7 drinks............................................ 3 8 drinks............................................ 1 9 drinks............................................ 0 10 drinks........................................... 4 11 drinks........................................... 0 12 drinks........................................... 1 13 drinks........................................... 0 14 drinks........................................... 1 15 drinks........................................... 1 16 to 20 drinks....................................... 1 Over 20 drinks....................................... 2 DNK/Refusal........................................ 2 Average............................................ 3,3 16
17. During the past 12 months, was there ever a time where you felt your alcohol use had a harmful effect... n = 930 n = 918 a)... on your friendship or social life? Yes............................................... 2 1 No............................................... 98 99 b)... on your physical health? Yes............................................... 8 6 No............................................... 92 93 c)... on your outlook on life? Yes............................................... 3 3 No............................................... 96 97 d)... on your spouse/partner? Yes............................................... 2 2 No............................................... 90 87 Not applicable....................................... 8 11 e)... on your child/children? Yes............................................... 1 1 No............................................... 82 83 Non applicable (n'a pas d'enfant)......................... 17 16 f)...on your home life? Oui............................................... 2 2 Non.............................................. 96 96 Not applicable....................................... 2 2 g)... on your work, studies or employment opportunities? Yes............................................... 2 1 No............................................... 93 93 Not applicable....................................... 5 6 h)... on your financial position? Yes............................................... 3 2 No............................................... 97 98 17
18. Do you totally agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or totally disagree with the following statements: a) A cigarette is more harmful than a glass of alcohol Totally agree........................................ 48 46 Somewhat agree...................................... 24 28 Somewhat disagree.................................... 11 13 Totally disagree...................................... 8 7 DNK/Refusal........................................ 9 7 b) Moderate drinking is good for one s health Totally agree........................................ 27 24 Somewhat agree...................................... 39 41 Somewhat disagree.................................... 21 23 Totally disagree...................................... 10 10 DNK/Refusal........................................ 3 2 c) Alcohol is a drug Totally agree........................................ 36 29 Somewhat agree...................................... 30 34 Somewhat disagree.................................... 19 22 Totally disagree...................................... 13 14 DNK/Refusal........................................ 1 2 d) Alcohol provides enjoyment Totally agree........................................ 19 17 Somewhat agree...................................... 42 47 Somewhat disagree.................................... 21 22 Totally disagree...................................... 16 13 DNK/Refusal........................................ 2 2 e) Most people are able to drink reasonably Totally agree........................................ 23 21 Somewhat agree...................................... 41 46 Somewhat disagree.................................... 21 21 Totally disagree...................................... 13 9 DNK/Refusal........................................ 3 2 f) Drinking, even if moderate, is harmful to one's health Totally agree........................................ 14 12 Somewhat agree...................................... 20 23 Somewhat disagree.................................... 40 44 Totally disagree...................................... 23 19 DNK/Refusal........................................ 3 1 18
Total 2012 n = 1101 g) I think that having 2 or 3 drinks a day, 5 or 6 days a week, leads to alcoholism % Totally agree........................................ 41 Somewhat agree...................................... 35 Somewhat disagree.................................... 15 Totally disagree...................................... 7 DNK/Refusal........................................ 3 h) I think that drinking one drink a day, 5 or 6 days a week, leads to alcoholism % Totally agree........................................ 20 Somewhat agree...................................... 24 Somewhat disagree.................................... 34 Totally disagree...................................... 19 DNK/Refusal........................................ 3 19. In your opinion, how many glasses of alcohol per day constitute moderate drinking? Total 2012 n = 1101 % None.............................................. 17 1 glass............................................ 44 2 glasses........................................... 26 3 glasses........................................... 7 4 glasses........................................... 2 5 glasses or more..................................... 1 DNK/Refusal........................................ 4 Average............................................ 1,3 20. Would you say that regular consumption of 1 or 2 alcoholic drinks per day is: Total 2012 n = 1101 % Very good for one s health............................... 2 Somewhat good for one s health........................... 15 Neither good nor bad for one s health....................... 44 Somewhat bad for one s health............................ 28 Very bad for one s health................................ 10 19
Among those who say 1-2 drinks a day is good for health 20a) Why do you think that regular consumption of 1 or 2 alcoholic drinks per day is good for one's health? Total 2012 n = 182 % Good for the heart.................................... 13 Relaxation.......................................... 7 Good for morale/sense of well being....................... 4 Good for health, wine is good............................ 15 Not harmful......................................... 3 Good for the bloodstream............................... 5 Proven scientifically/medical recommendations/studies on the subject 17 What people say/what I ve heard......................... 6 Good for digestion.................................... 3 Antioxidants in wine................................... 2 Reduces cholesterol/wine reduces cholesterol.................. 3 Seen on TV/in advertising............................... 1 Don t drink too much/drink occasionally..................... 2 Good taste/personal taste/like the taste of alcohol.............. 2 Stimulates apetite..................................... 2 Other............................................. 10 DNK/Refusal........................................ 4 Among those who say 1-2 drinks a day is bad for health 20b) Why do you think that regular consumption of 1 or 2 alcoholic drinks per day is bad for one's health? Total 2012 n = 427 % Habit/Addiction/alcoholism.............................. 51 No need/not necessary to drink regulary.................... 2 Liver problems....................................... 5 Heart problems....................................... 1 Calories/overweight................................... 3 Bad for health/harmful................................. 11 Scientific proof it s bad for the health/medical proof............. 2 1-2 drinks a day is too much............................. 5 Causes disease/hurts organs............................. 1 Secondary effects of alcohol (loss of control, reduced capacities).... 3 Death and/or sickness of loved one due to alcohol.............. 2 Don t like alcohol/shouldn t drink.......................... 2 Take drugs.......................................... 1 Causes health problems/causes disease..................... 3 A number of diseases mentioned.......................... 1 Depends on the kind of alcohol/some good, others harmful........ 1 Other............................................. 6 DNK/Refusal........................................ 4 20
21a) To your knowledge, what is recommended for a pregnant woman as far as alcohol consumption is concerned? Should she...... consume same amount of alcohol as before pregnancy......... 0 0... reduce her alcohol consumption......................... 9 5... or abstain completely?............................... 91 94 DNK/Refusal........................................ 1 1 21b) Personally, do you deem it acceptable or inacceptable for a pregnant woman to consume a moderate amount of alcohol occasionally during her pregnancy? Acceptable.......................................... 28 29 Inacceptable......................................... 71 69 DNK/Refusal........................................ 1 2 21c) Would you say that to have a drink occasionally during pregnancy... Certainly harms the health of the fetus...................... 16 16 Entails a major risk.................................... 29 28 Entails a small risk..................................... 40 44 Does not entail any risk................................. 12 9 DNK/Refusal........................................ 4 3 21d) WOMEN ONLY: Personally, if you were pregnant, what would best convince you not to drink alcohol during your pregnancy: n = 597 n = 658 Having complete and objective information on the matter......... 50 51 Having information only on the potential hazards............... 20 18 Making drinking alcohol during pregnancy socially unacceptable.... 14 14 Having your circle of friends and relatives pressure you to not drink alcohol............................................ 4 5 None of the above.................................... 8 11 DNK/Refusal........................................ 4 1 21
22. In your opinion, what are the main problems associated with heavy drinking? Drinking and driving/road accidents........................ 16 9 Alcoholism/addiction.................................. 22 26 Weakened faculties/irresponsibility......................... 6 5 Relationship difficulties (friendship, social).................... 16 17 Family difficulties..................................... 22 22 Flight from reality, escapism.............................. 4 3 Loss of self-esteem/loss of self-confidence..................... 4 5 Problems at work: absenteeism/lack of productivity/loss of employment. 11 13 Behavioral problems/loss of self-control...................... 14 18 Health problems...................................... 28 36 Financial problems/poverty.............................. 16 15 Personal problems..................................... 5 3 Psychological /emotional/affective problems.................. 12 12 Loneliness/boredom................................... 3 1 Violence generally.................................... 9 8 Conjugal/family violence................................ 5 5 Others............................................. 3 2 DNK/Refusal........................................ 4 4 23. How much do you agree or disagree with the idea that parents introduce their teens to the concept of moderate alcohol consumption, by serving them a drink, under supervision, during a meal for example? Do you... Totally agree........................................ 24 17 Somewhat agree...................................... 34 36 Somewhat disagree.................................... 19 23 Totally disagree...................................... 23 22 DNK/Refusal........................................ 1 1 24. Compared to 5 years ago, would you say that Quebecers are MORE aware or LESS aware of the concept of moderate and sensible drinking? n = 1 104 n=1101 More aware......................................... 69 73 Less aware.......................................... 12 11 Neither more nor less.................................. 12 7 DNK/Refusal........................................ 8 8 22
Among those who are more aware of the concept of moderate and sensible drinking 25. To what do you attribute this increased awareness? n = 779 n = 831 Road/traffic accidents.................................. 6 6 Éduc'alcool campaigns................................. 2 4 Costs (rising)........................................ - 1 Influence of family/peers................................ 2 3 School (young people).................................. 1 3 The law (motor vehicles)................................. 5 3 Media............................................. 18 20 Better public knowledge of the subject (education, experience)...... 7 5 Health concerns...................................... - 1 Publicity............................................ 35 32 Advertisements about drinking and driving.................... 5 4 Advertising focusing on moderation........................ 6 8 Governmental awareness-raising.......................... 4 3 Other............................................. 4 3 DNK/Refusal........................................ 4 3 26. In your opinion, what is considered criminal behaviour? For an adult, is it...... driving after consuming only one glass of alcohol............. 21 16... driving after indulging in heavy drinking................... 76 83 DNK/Refusal........................................ 3 1 27. In your opinion, how many glasses of alcohol (beer, wine, spirits) does it take for an adult to be deemed criminally responsible for driving an automobile? 1 glass............................................ 24 18 2 glasses........................................... 24 28 3 glasses........................................... 19 29 4 glasses........................................... 8 7 5 glasses........................................... 4 2 6 glasses........................................... 1 1 7 glasses........................................... 0 0 8 glasses........................................... - 0 9 glasses........................................... 0 0 10 glasses.......................................... - 0 11 glasses or more.................................... - 0 It depends.......................................... 16 13 DNK/Refusal........................................ 3 3 Average............................................ 2,4 2,5 23
28. For adults, the current blood alcohol limit for driving a motor vehicle is 80 mg (.08g), ACCORDING TO THE LAW. Do you consider this limit to be... Too strict........................................... 3 4 Just strict enough...................................... 61 62 Not strict enough..................................... 32 31 DNK/Refusal........................................ 4 3 29. Would you be very much in favour of, somewhat in favour of, somewhat against or very much against setting THE LEGAL LIMIT AT O MG OF ALCOHOL for all drivers (i.e. no trace of alcohol in the body)? Very much in favour................................... 31 23 Somewhat in favour................................... 19 19 Somewhat against..................................... 24 28 Very much against..................................... 24 30 DNK/Refusal........................................ 1 1 30a) Do you drive a motor vehicle? Yes............................................... 85 83 No............................................... 15 17 Among those who drive a motor vehicle 30b) In the past year, how many times have you driven a vehicle after drinking alcohol within lawful limits? n = 949 n = 949 Yes............................................... 47 46 No............................................... 52 54 DNK/Refusal........................................ 1 1 30b) In the past year, how many times have you driven a vehicle after drinking alcohol within lawful limits? Total 2012 n = 949 % Never............................................. 54 1-2 times........................................... 22 3-5 times........................................... 12 6 times or more...................................... 12 DNK/Refusal........................................ 1 Average............................................ 1,6 24