Main findings

One in 10 women binge drink each week One in three young women drink more than they should Average alcohol intake among men has increased slightly More young people are stopping smoking Demand for NHS services remains largely the same

The ONS survey of more than 19,000 people across Britain, entitled Living in Britain 2000, found that 10% of women had admitted to drinking more than six units of alcohol on at least one day in the week before they were questioned - twice the recommended intake. This compares with 8% in 1998.

One in three of those aged between 16 and 24 said they had consumed more than 14 units of alcohol - the weekly-recommended level for women - during the previous seven days.

Young women now consume 12.6 units of alcohol a week, equivalent to about a litre of wine. This compares with older women who drink 7.1 units a week.

In comparison, men appear to be drinking the same amount of alcohol as they did in 1998 with average intake rising from 17.1 units to 17.4 units.

Kicking the habit

The survey, carried out last year, also shows that the number of people smoking has remained largely the same at 27%.

However, more young people are kicking the habit. Just over one third of those aged between 20 and 24 smoke compared with 40% two years ago.

Overall, more men continue to smoke than women although the gap is narrowing - 29% compared with 23%.

The survey also looked at how people use NHS services. It shows that demand for GP and hospital services has remained largely the same as it was in 1998.