Nearly one in 10 people surveyed about drinking in Northern Ireland was found to have a problem with alcohol.
The research compiled on behalf of the Department of Health was based on interviews with more than 2,000 people and revealed trends in alcohol use.
But a specific test used to identify problem drinkers indicated that 9% of people fell into that category.
The report said that agreeing to two or more of these clinical interview questions suggested that it was highly likely that a problem with alcohol existed.
The four statements were: I have felt that I ought to cut down on my drinking; People have annoyed me by criticising my drinking; I have felt ashamed or guilty about my drinking; and I have had a drink first thing in the morning to steady my nerves or get rid of a hangover.
The research found 61% of people considered themselves to be light drinkers, 36% consider themselves to be moderate drinkers. And while the test found 9% had a problem with alcohol, only 3% of people said they considered themselves to be heavy drinkers.
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