One-in-seven may be alcoholic
One twentieth admit problem; one tenth
won't answer
TORONTO MAY 30th,
2014 - In a
random sampling of public opinion taken by the Forum Poll™ among 1694 Canadians
18 years of age and older, one twentieth admit to being alcoholics (4%), while
a further one tenth prefer not to answer (11%) for a total of about one seventh
who may be considered to have a drinking problem. Admitting to alcoholism is
especially common to the youngest (11%), males (7%), the least wealthy (a proxy
for age - 18%), in Atlantic Canada (7%), the prairies (8%) and Alberta (9%).
Conservative supporters are more likely to claim a problem with alcohol (7%)
than Liberals (4%) or New Democrats (3%). Incidence is also high among
non-Christians (11%).
Among those who claim to be alcoholics, there
is a relatively even split between those who say they are in recovery an still
practicing (30% and 41%, respectively. Caution: small base size). A further one
quarter prefer not to answer (28%, caution: small base size).
One-in- one hundred Canadians in total claim
to have attended rehab (%), and incidence is highest among the least wealthy
(5%).
“Conventional wisdom has said for years the alcoholic
population comprises about 5% of society, but these findings show the figure
may be twice as high or more," said
Forum Research President, Dr. Lorne Bozinoff.
