Key standouts from Barometer 2025 data:

• More men drink on a weekly basis (64%) vs 48% females. Men continue to report higher average consumption (4.1 drinks) and typical binge drinking (29%) than women (3.4 drinks, 18%)
• The weekly incidence of alcohol consumption continues to be much higher among Males, and broadly consistent from 35 years on.
• Frequency of binge drinking peaks among men (64%) (as well as younger adults) reporting at least one binge drinking occasion in the past 30 days.
• The 2025 incidence of AUDIT C 5+ score peaks among male drinkers (58%).
• Little understanding of HSE Low-Risk Weekly Guidelines - only 2% of men got the correct answer for men and 3% got the correct answer for women when asked.
• Rise in drinking at home (and alone) - In 2025, ‘drinking at home alone’ is once again the most common drinking occasion with 31% of adults reporting that they drink at home alone at least once a week (32% in 2024). This rises to 34% of male drinkers (compared with 27% of female drinkers).
• At the same time, 36% of men report that they would like to drink alcohol less often in 2025, while 39% agree that they have made small positive changes to their drinking habits (i.e. drink less) in the past 30 days
• Collectively, this suggests a demographic focus for related interventions to guiding action and contribute towards changing (and sustaining) men’s experiences with alcohol for the better.