Letter: New research on young adults and alcohol indicates a genuine appetite for change

Dear Editor: Drinkaware has just completed its first-ever ethnographic research project with young adults in Ireland, giving us an unprecedented opportunity to hear directly from 18–34 year olds about how alcohol fits into their everyday lives. The findings are striking. Many describe themselves as health-conscious and sober-curious, yet binge drinking remains culturally expected — particularly among 18–24 year olds, where peer pressure and social confidence are powerful drivers. Older young adults, meanwhile, are more likely to moderate their behaviour and consider the long-term impact on their health and wellbeing. The research indicates a genuine appetite for change. Non-alcoholic options are…