Fact: This is how the Swedes drank during the summer holidays this year
40 percent drank more alcohol during the holidays than they usually do, this is less than last year when 51 percent drank more than usual
39 percent drank alcohol every other day or more often
37 percent drank on occasions when they had not intended to drink alcohol in advance
23 percent are considering taking a break from alcohol after the holidays.
Not sure what drinking habits are normal? At Alkoholprofilen.se there is a test.
For alcohol problems visit Alkoholhjälpen, 1177 Vårdguiden, or the Alcohol Line 020-84 44 48.
At Alkoholsnacket.se there are tips and support for those who are worried about someone else’s alcohol habits.
Source: Novus survey on behalf of IQ, a subsidiary of Systembolaget
Sun and holidays often give extra cravings for alcohol. But this summer, fewer people drank more than they usually do.
The reason is probably the bad weather. In addition, inflation may have made people hold tighter to their wallets.
But for those who find it difficult to let go of their holiday habits, there is plenty to do on their own.
— It is a myth that everyone needs to seek care. Even many people with alcohol addiction often recover on their own, says Sara Wallhed Finn, psychologist and researcher.
At the same time, the vast majority wait for ten years before seeking help. If they had contacted care earlier, the course could have been significantly shortened.
— Many more people would benefit from seeking care, especially considering that alcohol problems are very widespread. But this way after the summer, it is perfectly reasonable to first try cutting back on your own.
Tips for cutting back on alcohol
The first step is to think about why you want to cut back on alcohol. Some arguments could be poor sleep, that you feel down, tired at work or that loved ones are worried.
Psychologist Sara Wallhed Finn researches alcohol at the department of global public health at Karolinska Institutet.
The next step is to set goals for how much you want to drink, for example the number of glasses a week and in what contexts.
After that, it is good to write a diary about your drinking, to chart in which situations you drink and how much it is. Evaluate after a couple of weeks.
Anyone who has failed to meet their set goals should not be afraid to seek care, believes Sara Wallhed Finn.
— Many people have ideas that you are sent to a treatment center and forced to take antabuse, but that is not the case at all. You can influence the type of treatment and goals you want. Most people can also cut back on alcohol without stopping completely.
Some choose to take a white month after the summer. Whether it helps to reduce alcohol in the long term is unclear. A British study suggests so, but there is too little research. However, it is scientifically proven that the white month improves health.
“Liver values improve, you sleep better and feel better mentally,” says Sara Wallhed Finn.