18.11.2024 - The new report Self-reported alcohol habits in Sweden 2004–2023 reveals that nicotine use is nearly twice as common among those who consume alcohol compared to those who do not. Moreover, the likelihood of using nicotine products increases with higher alcohol consumption.
The report examines the development of alcohol habits in various population groups in Sweden from 2004 to 2023, based on self-reported data from adults. This year’s report includes a special analysis of the relationship between nicotine use and alcohol habits. The analysis shows that the proportion of people using nicotine products rises with increasing alcohol consumption.
“All nicotine products—cigarettes, vapes, and snus—are more common among those who consume alcohol. This is particularly true for white snus, which is 2.4 times more prevalent among drinkers compared to non-drinkers,” says Ulf Guttormsson, department head at CAN and author of the report.
“If we look at nicotine use in relation to alcohol consumption levels, we see that the prevalence of snus use increases as alcohol consumption rises, whether it involves traditional tobacco snus or nicotine-only snus,” Guttormsson adds.
For smoking and vaping, increased prevalence is most noticeable among those who consume the most alcohol. Since snus use is more common than smoking, the overall picture shows a relatively linear increase in nicotine use with higher levels of alcohol consumption.
In the top tenth of alcohol consumers, nearly half (44%) use nicotine daily. Across all respondents, this corresponds to 4.5%, or approximately 370,000 individuals.
“Daily cigarette smoking combined with belonging to the top tenth of drinkers is likely the most hazardous alcohol and nicotine combination. Around 70,000 people reported such a consumption pattern,” says Guttormsson.
The report also shows that alcohol consumption in Sweden has declined since 2004. The decrease is primarily among men, while women’s consumption has remained relatively stable. However, men still drink nearly twice as much as women. Among different age groups, the decline is most pronounced among 17–29-year-olds. Regionally, reductions are most evident in metropolitan municipalities.
The survey includes 18,000 respondents each year and is conducted continuously throughout the year. The sample is individual-based, random, and representative of people aged 17–84 living in Sweden. Data is collected through a self-administered web survey and telephone interviews. Since the survey began, approximately 400,000 individuals have participated.
Source: CAN.se
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