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Data from the 2004 Canadian Addiction Survey* reveals that most of BC's current drinkers are between the ages of 19 and 39. Approximately 90% of 19- to 24-year-olds (95% of males and 85% of females) drink alcohol sometimes. Similarly, 85% of 25- to 39-year-olds are current drinkers.
Drinking rates decline for those in middle age. Among 40- to 64-year-olds, 78% are current drinkers (80% of males and 76% of females).
The drinking rates for seniors are slightly lower. Of residents aged 65 and older, 73% are current drinkers (76% of males and 70% of females).
The group with the lowest drinking rate is youth. Approximately 65% of 15- to 18-year-olds (68% of males and 64% of females) have consumed alcohol in the past year. While this rate is lower than that of other population groups, it is still substantial and particularly troubling given the impact of alcohol on neural and social development during adolescence.
Comparing drinking patterns with consumption patterns for other substances reveals that more men and women consume alcohol on a regular basis than they do tobacco or cannabis. Approximately 44% of men and 27% of women drink alcohol at least once a week. This compares to 9% of men and 4% of women who use cannabis at least weekly, and 17% of men and 16% of women who use tobacco on a daily or occasional basis.
*The survey sample included 3,000 British Columbians aged 15 and older.
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