Bottoms up: What kind of drinker are you?

What kind of drinker are you? Source: ThinkStock

DRINKING is a huge part of the Australian culture.

Just look at the images that surfaced in the wake of this week's Melbourne Cup for proof.

Most race-goers spent the day with one - or several - drinks in their hand, and there were quite a few punters who finished the day face down on the grass, retching. Not really a classy look.

This Melbourne Cup punter might have had a bit too much. Source: AAP

A research study from the RMIT University has investigated the role that alcohol plays in Australian culture. Researchers interviewed thousands of alcohol drinkers in Victoria to reveal four 'drinking types'.

The question is, which type of drinker are you?

"Heavy drinking is viewed as acceptable in almost all social situations, from weddings to sports matches, and even at funerals or baby showers," stated the research report. "There are very few occasions where drinking alcohol is not encouraged."

A bit of sport with your booze? Source: ThinkStock

The report found that our "society's inherent and deeply embedded drinking culture makes most people feel they need a specific reason not to drink, rather than a reason to drink."

The research matched people's personal values, motives and lifestyle factors with the frequency of their alcohol consumption, and found that certain factors corresponded with people who drink greater amounts of alcohol.

So, what are the four types of drinkers and which one are you? The full research report from Victoria Health gives us the run down.

The Initiator likes to have fun ... with alcohol of course. Source: ThinkStock

THE INITIATOR: "I drink what I want and I know what I'm doing."

Initiators comprise of 40 per cent of the drinking population. Typically they:

- are outgoing and the 'life of the party'

- love to have a drink and 'let loose'

- like to be an expert on alcohol brands

- are spontaneous and love to make things happen

- drink to have fun

- like to go out and drink at bars and clubs and meet people

- can sometimes be a booze bully

The Follower is influenced by the enthusiasm of Initiators around them. Source: ThinkStock

THE FOLLOWER: "When I do drink, I wish I could stop at just one or two ..."

Followers make up 13 per cent of the drinking population. They are usually:

- fun, social and easy-going

- influenced by social and cultural pressures

- persuaded join in or go with the flow

- swept up in the moment and enjoyment of social situations

- inclined to drink at home with friends and family

Moderators enjoy a drink over dinner. Source: ThinkStock

THE MODERATOR: "I choose not to drink much. I like to have a drink with friends over dinner, then go home at a decent hour."

Moderators are a surprising 26 per cent of the drinking population. They are generally:

- self-disciplined and self-sufficient

- relaxed and prefer a more chilled-out experience

- confident about saying 'no'

- inclined to have a glass or two, but that's it

- happiest when drinking at home

The Protector is like your guardian angel. Source: ThinkStock

THE PROTECTOR: "Not having a drink when others are drinking doesn't bother me."

Protectors represent 21 per cent of drinkers. They typically:

- are controlled and conscientious

- enjoy having fun in a safe environment

- look out for others when socialising

- are not overly interested in drinking alcohol

- are the designated driver

Think you know which type of drinker you are? Comment below or join the conversation on Twitter @newscomauHQ | @gracekoelma | @VicHealth

Take the 'what kind of drinker are you?' quiz here.

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