New survey: One in three Danes abstains from alcohol

Morten Skov Mogensen

24.07.2024 - Nearly 35 percent of Danes have consciously chosen to abstain from alcohol in the past year, with more considering the same. This is revealed in a new survey conducted by Voxmeter for Blue Cross Denmark.

The summer holiday season is upon us, and for many, this means an extra beer at lunch or a larger glass of wine at dinner. However, more Danes are beginning to reconsider their alcohol consumption, with some choosing to avoid it altogether.

According to the survey, 38.7 percent of Danes have considered taking a break from alcohol for a period, while just under 35 percent have made a deliberate decision to abstain from alcohol in the past year. This survey was conducted by Voxmeter on behalf of Blue Cross Denmark.

“It is encouraging and much-needed to see a shift in the Danish alcohol culture as we know it, with more people stopping to think about their alcohol consumption. We have a culture where alcohol plays a significant role, especially in social settings, and many often face open skepticism when they decline a drink,” says Morten Skov Mogensen, Secretary General of Blue Cross Denmark.

“In recent years, there has been a movement that promotes a more reflective approach to alcohol. This gives me hope that the space for both public and private conversations about alcohol culture is opening up, pushing towards a collective awareness of the harmful consequences of our drinking habits,” he continues.

Danes want a different alcohol culture

A majority of Danes support the idea that the alcohol culture in Denmark should change, as advocated by the social aid organization's Secretary General.

According to the Voxmeter survey, 59.5 percent believe there is a need for a changed alcohol culture so that Danes generally drink less. At the same time, nearly 58 percent are aware of the impact alcohol has on health.

“At Blue Cross, we see the severe consequences of alcohol daily, affecting both the individual with an addiction and their relatives. It is rarely an isolated issue, and it leaves scars on both the body and soul for those involved,” says Morten Skov Mogensen.

Blue Cross Denmark annually helps thousands of Danes who either have an alcohol addiction themselves or are relatives of someone with an addiction at the organization’s residential and treatment centers and at Barnets Blå Hus, a support service for children growing up in families with alcohol and drug abuse.

About the survey:

The survey was conducted by the analysis institute Voxmeter on behalf of Blue Cross Denmark. Data collection took place in May 2024 among individuals over 18 years old. 1,071 respondents completed the questionnaire.

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Source: Blå Kors Danmark