[The quantitative evaluation of alcohol use in German and Western Switzerland].

Within the scope of a comprehensive study of social mechanisms of the drinking habits, a household survey was conducted among the 15 to 74-year-old population (sample size: 902). Overall per-capita-consumption figures have been, so far, the only available information on drinking in Switzerland. The data collected on various dimensions, i.e. quantity, frequency and variability of alcohol intake show a wide variety of drinking patterns among the 89% of the population using alcohol. Frequency of beer, wine and fermented cider consumption falls mainly into the three categories: daily use, up to twice weekly, rarely (once a month or less). For hard liquor we found: up to twice weekly, rarely. The Swiss have no definite preferences as to wine, beer or other alcoholic beverages. Yet, in the French speaking part wine is used significantly...