Alcohol statistics in the UK | A Deep Dive
Alcohol Facts, Figures and Statistics
Alcohol is one of the most widely consumed substances in the world, and is deeply embedded within social environments, different cultures, and personal contexts.
For many, consuming alcohol is a harmless and regular activity they do with friends and families but it comes with an addiction potential as well as other health and economic risks.
This page provides a comprehensive overview of the key alcohol statistics UK, detailing the trends usage patterns, health effects, addiction, alcohol addiction treatment success rates, and the broader economic and social impacts.
What is alcohol?
Alcohol, specifically ethanol, is a psychoactive substance found in alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and spirits. It’s a powerful substance that affects how your brain works and how you feel.
When enjoyed in moderation, it can add to celebrations and social moments, but when consumed excessively or habitually, it can lead to addiction and a range of other problems that can deeply impact your life and relationships.
Did you know?
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ALCOHOL
A history of alcohol use
What makes alcohol addictive?
Alcohol is addictive because of its effects on the brain, where it influences the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. Regular consumption can lead to tolerance, where more alcohol is needed to achieve the same effects, and dependence, where the body experiences withdrawal symptoms without alcohol. Over time, these factors contribute to compulsive drinking behaviour and alcohol addiction.
ALCOHOL USE IN NUMBERS
UK Alcohol Statistics
Alcohol-related hospital admissions
The rate of alcohol-related hospital admissions in the UK (1.1 million in 2021) is higher than in many other European countries like Italy and Spain.
Gender difference
8% of men reported drinking almost daily compared to 5% of women.
Age group usage
Users in the age group of adults aged 16-24 have the highest rates of use, with about 6.2% reporting past-year use.
Treatment
In England, it's estimated that around 602,000 people are dependent on alcohol, but only about 18% of these individuals are currently receiving treatment.
Health impact
Alcohol misuse is the leading cause of death, illness, and disability for people aged 15-49 in the UK, and it ranks as the fifth most significant risk factor for all age groups.
Alcohol-related deaths
Alcohol misuse contributes to more than 3 million deaths globally each year, accounting for 5.3% of all deaths.
Binge drinking
Binge drinking is particularly prevalent among younger adults in the UK, with around 30% of 16-24 year-olds reporting such behaviour in the past month.
Alcohol and cancer
In 2019, 4.4% of cancers diagnosed globally and 401 000 cancer deaths were attributed to alcohol consumption.
Birth complications
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can also increase the risk of preterm birth complications including miscarriage, stillbirth and premature delivery.
Individuals in lower-income areas are more likely to suffer from alcohol-related harm due to a combination of factors such as limited access to education, unstable employment, poor housing conditions, and reduced healthcare access.
HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
How does alcohol affect health?
Short term effects
Euphoria and relaxation
Impaired judgement and coordination
Increased risk of accidents and injuries
Dehydration and hangover
Long term effects
Liver damage (cirrhosis, hepatitis)
Cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, stroke)
Mental health disorders (depression, anxiety)
Increased risk of cancers (liver, breast, mouth)
Can you overdose on alcohol?
Yes, alcohol overdose, also known as alcohol poisoning, is a serious and potentially fatal condition. It occurs when a large amount of alcohol is consumed in a short period, overwhelming the body’s ability to process it.
Alcohol overdose symptoms include:
- confusion
- vomiting
- seizures
- slow or irregular breathing
- unconsciousness
Immediate medical attention is required to prevent long-term damage or death.
GETTING HELP
Can alcohol addiction be treated?
Yes, a lifetime of sobriety is possible for anyone struggling with alcoholism.
Effective treatment for alcohol addiction involves a combination of detoxification, behavioural therapies, and support groups. Success rates of alcohol rehab vary, but at Providence Projects, our addiction treatment stats are excellent.
Client satisfaction with our service
Complete their detox programme
Complete their treatment programme
Resources and support for alcohol addiction
NHS Alcohol Support
The NHS offers a range of services for people struggling with alcohol addiction, including local treatment services, counselling, and support groups. They provide confidential advice and can help individuals find the right support for their needs.
Drinkaware
Drinkaware provides information, advice, and resources for people looking to manage their drinking habits or seeking help for alcohol-related problems. Their website offers tools such as unit calculators, advice on reducing intake, and links to support services.
Alcoholics Anonymous UK
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a fellowship of individuals who share their experiences to help others recover from alcoholism. AA offers meetings, resources, and a supportive network to assist members in maintaining sobriety.
Adfam
Adfam is a UK charity that supports families affected by alcohol, drugs, and gambling. They offer resources, advocacy, and support groups to help families cope with the challenges of addiction and work towards recovery.
Families Anonymous
Families Anonymous is a support group for relatives and friends of people struggling with alcohol or drug-related issues. They provide a supportive environment through regular meetings and resources, helping members share experiences and find ways to cope.
Start the Alcohol Rehabilitation Process Today
Finding the best alcohol treatment is vital for long-term recovery success. Our friendly and compassionate team will hold your hand through the process until you learn to love yourself again.