Abstaining, excessive drinking, binge drinking and help-seeking behavior among Turks in the Netherlands

ABSTRACT In this study, the prevalence of alcohol use and help-seeking behaviors among second-generation Turks in The Netherlands (born in The Netherlands, but having at least 1 Turkish parent) has been assessed by means of postal surveys and compared with the autochthonous Dutch population (individuals with both parents born in The Netherlands). The prevalence of abstaining, excessive alcohol use, binge drinking, and problem drinking among the Turks was 63.3%, 3.7%, 5.4%, and 1.8%, respectively. Abstinence was much higher among Turks and drinking rates were higher among the autochthonous population. However, when comparing regular drinkers, weekend use of alcohol was higher among Turks. Implications for further research and prevention activities are discussed.