Validity of indices of alcoholism: a comment from Irish experience.

Strategic Task Force on Alcohol: Interim Report

“…But, Stivers pointed out, there seemed to be a much lower level of problems with drinking in Ireland. While there was some dispute within Ireland about the national rates of alcohol problems (Walsh and Walsh, 1973), by international standards the consumption and problems seemed low. In the 1950s, for instance, per-adult consumption levels in Ireland were about one-third what they are today in Ireland, and only 3 of the current EU member countries had lower consumption levels (Leifman, 2001).…”

Family Therapy With Irish‐Americans

“…Although the overall rate of mental illness among Irish Americans has fallen during the past 25 years, the Irish — both in Ireland and in this country — continue to have a very high incidence of alcoholism (8, 14, 18, 33, 46, 62, 66). Alcohol is tolerated as “a good man's weakness.” Ireland's damp climate, which forced people to be confined indoors, might be enough to make anyone seek to repress physical sensations with alcohol.…”

“…Although the overall rate of mental illness among Irish Americans has fallen during the past 25 years, the Irishboth in Ireland and in this countrycontinue to have a very high incidence of alcoholism (8,14,18,33,46,62,66). Alcohol is tolerated as "a good man's weakness."…”