AUTHOR=Irizar Patricia , Puddephatt Jo-Anne , Warren Jasmine G. , Field Matt , Jones Andrew , Rose Abigail K. , Gage Suzanne H. , Goodwin Laura 

TITLE=“Drinkers Like Me”: A Thematic Analysis of Comments Responding to an Online Article About Moderating Alcohol Consumption

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychology

VOLUME=Volume 13 - 2022

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.780677

DOI=10.3389/fpsyg.2022.780677

ISSN=1664-1078

ABSTRACT=Background: There has been media coverage surrounding the dangers of heavy drinking and benefits of moderation, with TV and radio presenter, Adrian Chiles, documenting his experience of moderating alcohol consumption in an online article for the Guardian. By analysing the comments in response to Chiles’ article, this study aimed to explore i) readers’ attitudes or beliefs towards moderating alcohol and ii) readers’ experiences of moderating or abstaining from alcohol. Method: A secondary qualitative analysis of online comments in response to an article about moderating alcohol consumption. Main outcome measures: Comments (n = 784) in response to a UK online news article about moderating alcohol consumption were extracted and inductive thematic analysis was used. Results: For aim one, two themes were developed; “general attitudes towards drinking” and “general attitudes towards reducing consumption”. These themes reflect negative perceptions of alcohol and issues around changing attitudes. For aim two, three themes were developed: “moderation vs abstention”, “reflection on past drinking behaviours”, and “current drinking behaviours”. These themes represent readers’ experiences and implications changing their drinking habits. Conclusions: Our analysis provides a novel insight into perceptions and experiences of moderating or abstaining from alcohol. Alcohol is embedded within UK culture, creating difficulties for those who choose to moderate or abstain from alcohol. Our analysis highlights the need for public health to focus on shifting the current drinking culture, through clearer drinking guidelines and a wider availability of alcohol-free alternatives.