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I'd be interested in reading a study of drinking patterns beyond simple measurement of total consumption. Every study I read measures volume over a time such n

I'd be interested in reading a study of drinking patterns beyond simple measurement of total consumption. Every study I read measures volume over a time such number of units per week. But there is a difference between downing a bottle of wine in one hour every saturday night as opposed to a single glass every night. Perhaps a study based on peak blood alcohol level during the week rather than total consumption? The OP study seems to have dealt with older people. Retirees, without jobs, might have many 'average' days resulting in a steady daily drinking pattern. Most of the younger drinkers I know go for extended periods without drinking (weekdays) only to get hammered come the weekend. Is this worse? Maybe multi-day dry periods give your system a rest and that is better than a daily pattern? I don't know. It's all moot to me. I don't drink, which for a non-muslim non-mormon canadian means people often think I'm a recovering alcoholic. I'm not. I just don't like drinking. It;s not fun.

aetherson 12y ago
These total-factor mortality studies tend to be over large populations and long time-periods, so it's difficult to administer a test protocol like "check their blood alcohol many times a week and find a peak." It seems almost certain that intensity of drinking has some effect on total-factor mortality, if only because if you get blind drunk you're more prone to accident than someone who drinks only to being buzzed or less.
- sandworm 12y ago
  That's why I am so interested. I could see how getting blind drunk once a week might actually reduce total mortality. Perhaps those who get blind drunk only occasionally under planned conditions have fewer accidents than those who drink regularly and therefore spend more time under the influence. I agree that a measurement protocol would be difficult. But the OP was based on self-reporting. They could ask "Have you, in the last week, ever been above the legal driving limit?" or "What is the most you consumed in a single sitting this week?"
Zirro 12y ago
"I just don't like drinking. It;s not fun." I'm in my early twenties and people who find out about my non-drinking tend to suggest (surprisingly often) that I should start/try some. With me being an introvert, they seem to think it would help me "loosen up". I'm not very keen on that idea. I'm quite happy being my sober self.
- SiVal 12y ago
  Good for you. Stay that way. Many years ago, I was in my early twenties and being a non-drinker served me well. I have various other regrets about life, but not drinking as a young adult was, in retrospect, a wise choice--the opposite of a regret. You won't regret being your "sober self".

aetherson 12y ago

These total-factor mortality studies tend to be over large populations and long time-periods, so it's difficult to administer a test protocol like "check their blood alcohol many times a week and find a peak." It seems almost certain that intensity of drinking has some effect on total-factor mortality, if only because if you get blind drunk you're more prone to accident than someone who drinks only to being buzzed or less.

sandworm 12y ago
That's why I am so interested. I could see how getting blind drunk once a week might actually reduce total mortality. Perhaps those who get blind drunk only occasionally under planned conditions have fewer accidents than those who drink regularly and therefore spend more time under the influence. I agree that a measurement protocol would be difficult. But the OP was based on self-reporting. They could ask "Have you, in the last week, ever been above the legal driving limit?" or "What is the most you consumed in a single sitting this week?"

Zirro 12y ago

"I just don't like drinking. It;s not fun." I'm in my early twenties and people who find out about my non-drinking tend to suggest (surprisingly often) that I should start/try some. With me being an introvert, they seem to think it would help me "loosen up". I'm not very keen on that idea. I'm quite happy being my sober self.

SiVal 12y ago
Good for you. Stay that way. Many years ago, I was in my early twenties and being a non-drinker served me well. I have various other regrets about life, but not drinking as a young adult was, in retrospect, a wise choice--the opposite of a regret. You won't regret being your "sober self".