Heavy drinkers cut down over time, but they still may drink more than average, a study finds

People who drink heavily may drink less over the years, but their consumption could still be ahead of non-problem drinkers, a new study finds.

Researchers tracked 672 problem and dependent drinkers in a Northern California county over 11 years to see how drinking habits changed over time. People were considered problem drinkers if they met criteria such as showing symptoms of alcohol dependence and having at least one alcohol-related social consequence in the past year.

Drinking peaked for men and woman at the beginning of the study and declined over time. After 11 years men had decreased the average number of drinks per month by 51%, and women by 57%. But their consumption was still high. Alcohol consumption was 160% higher among male problem drinkers compared with average non-problem male drinkers, and among women it was 223% higher.

After taking abstainers out of the equation, drinking was still higher among male and female problem drinkers.

Going to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings was linked with less drinking, but factors associated with more drinking were suggestions to get help, having more heavy drinkers in one’s social network, and going to specialty treatment programs. While the last factor may seem counterintuitive, the study authors note that seeking a rehab program could indicate heavier drinking.

The study appears in the November issue of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.