The alcohol health crisis in the UK: Why we need to address our drinking culture
The alcohol crisis: A growing concern
The UK is facing an alcohol health crisis and it is more pressing than ever that we act. Around 25% of adults in England drink above the recommended guidelines of 14 units per week for both men and women. Alcohol is now the single biggest cause of preventable early death and disability among adults aged 18 to 49, with rising numbers of alcohol-related hospital admissions. It is a contributing factor in over 60 health conditions, including cancers, liver disease, and mental health problems.
Helen Philips: Drug and Alcohol Lead
Published 15 January 2025
Cultural norms: The A-Z of drinking
In the UK, alcohol is deeply embedded in our social culture, from celebrations to casual gatherings. I always talk about the A-Z of drinking in our culture – Anniversaries, Birthdays, Celebrations, Deaths, Events, Festivals, After Golf, Happy etc right through to Z zzz to help us sleep.
While marketing tactics like "wine o’clock" or targeted campaigns may make alcohol consumption feel like an enjoyable and relaxing escape, these practices can increase vulnerability, especially among women, who are more susceptible to alcohol-related harm.
The widespread normalisation of alcohol consumption makes it hard to address the severity of the issue. To tackle this, we must challenge the social norms surrounding drinking, promote responsible alcohol consumption, and raise awareness of the health risks associated with excessive alcohol intake.
The risks of drinking alcohol: Health implications
The short-term effects of alcohol are immediate and can be damaging. From impairing judgment and increasing impulsiveness to contributing to risky behaviours, alcohol can drastically affect how you behave. High levels of consumption can lead to nausea, slurred speech, and even death due to asphyxiation.
Usually after a heavy night of alcohol your sleep is interrupted. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning you may get interrupted sleep and feel less rested, leaving you feeling sluggish and lethargic the next day. Also, your liver is working throughout the night to break down the alcohol. This results in a hangover which is really your body recovering from the effects of the alcohol and dehydration.
Long-term alcohol use has even more severe risks, from liver disease to cancers and fertility issues. Psychologically, alcohol misuse can lead to cognitive decline and even alcohol-related brain disease. The damage to physical and mental health is far-reaching, making it essential to address the broader drinking culture.
Hidden risks: Drinking at home
For a lot of people, understanding how much alcohol they’re actually consuming can be hard and people often miscalculate their alcohol units. Drinking at home, where it is cheaper and more accessible than going to the pub, can easily lead to exceeding the recommended limits. With alcohol available around the clock and home delivery services providing easy access, it can be harder for you to track how much you are drinking.
Alcohol labels can help, as they indicate the number of units per bottle or can, but without careful attention to measurements—especially when drinking spirits—you can unknowingly drink more than you intend. Buying a home-measure for spirits or counting your bottles and cans in the recycling are two ways to help keep track of your drinks.
Tips for cutting back: Practical steps
Some tips to reduce the risk of alcohol consumption include:
- Setting goals such as alcohol-free days
- Ensuring you eat before drinking
- You could alternate alcoholic drinks with soft drinks or water.
- You can switch to lower-strength options
- Reduce your glass size which means you don't feel you are missing out, but it reduces the amount of units consumed
The key to reducing harm is moderation and being mindful of consumption.
Take part in Dry January
You could also try and do Dry January which highlights the immediate benefits of cutting alcohol for even a short time. People often say their sleep and mood improve, they have clearer skin, and better relationships with family members. A break from alcohol can also help reduce the risk of certain diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes, and boost cardiovascular health.
If you’re thinking of cutting back on your alcohol intake there are plenty of useful resources available such as alcohol intake trackers, unit calculators, and mindful drinking communities. Why not give it a try this January?
Find out more
Tips for drinking less
Unit calculator | Alcohol Change UK
MyDrinkaware App | Drinkaware
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