Health Business - Nearly a quarter have drunk due to peer pressure

Nearly a quarter have drunk due to peer pressure

However, only two per cent actually admit to pressuring friends to drink.

A quarter of adults have drunk more than planned due to peer pressure, although only two per cent admit to actually pressuring friends to drink more.

A YouGov poll of more than 2,000 English adults suggests 22 per cent of people who have ended up drinking more than planned put it down to peer pressure, while 39 per cent of drinkers feel the need to make up an excuse or lie to justify refusing a drink.

However, a survey for the Department of Health’s ‘Alcohol Effects’ poll found that only two per cent admit to piling on the pressure for friends to drink more when they don't want to and that just four per cent expect their friends to keep up with them when drinking.

Also, only 1 per cent of English adults who drink think less of people who refuse a drink or choose to drink less than them.

Public Health Minister Gillian Merron said: "This survey should encourage us all that it is ok to be honest with our friends about when we’ve had enough."

Further information:
Department of Health