Changes in alcohol consumption between 2009 and 2014 assessed with the AUDIT

Background: Alcohol habits in Sweden, assessed as sales and estimates of unrecorded consumption, have changed since joining the EU. Earlier studies using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) showed that reported consumption is consistent with sales data, which makes it possible to assess consumption according to sex and age. Aims: This study reports the changes in alcohol habits between 2009 and 2014, a period starting a couple of years after Sweden joined the EU. Method: The AUDIT was sent to a random sample of the Swedish population aged between 17 and 80 years old. Results: No statistically significant changes were shown in six age and sex groups. Conclusions: Alcohol habits have stabilised in Sweden but on a higher consumption level than before.