Alcohol Statistics

Alcohol Change UK
In England there are an estimated 586,780 dependent drinkers. Only 18% are receiving treatment.
  • 24% of adults in England and Scotland regularly drink over the Chief Medical Officer’s low-risk guidelines, and 27% of drinkers in Great Britain binge drink on their heaviest drinking days (over 8 units for men and over 6 units for women).
  • In 2017, 20% of the population reported not drinking at all and overall consumption has fallen by around 16% since 2004.
  • In the UK, in 2016 there were 9,214 alcohol-related deaths (around 15 per 100,000 people). The mortality rates are highest among people aged 55-69.
  • In the UK in 2018 there were 7,551 alcohol-specific deaths (around 11.9 per 100,000 people). This is the second-highest level since the records began in 2001.
  • In England, there are an estimated 586,780 dependent drinkers (2017/18), of whom 82% are not accessing treatment.
  • Alcohol misuse is the biggest risk factor for death, ill-health and disability among 15-49 year-olds in the UK, and the fifth biggest risk factor across all ages.
  • While the price of alcohol has increased by 28% over the last 10 years, it remains 74% more affordable than it was in 1987.

For more alcohol-related statistics, please click here.

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