An independent study found that, nationally, 1 in 4 people (24.2%) consumed alcohol at a high-risk level.
The same study found that this number was closer to 1 in 2 (47.6%) when compared to ‘city drinkers’, i.e., people who frequent the City of London for business, education, or education/training (1).
This study alone shows the dangers that these individuals face, especially if they frequent the City of London often.
Alcohol is an incredibly dangerous substance if not properly managed and, with its physically addictive quality, it can quickly worsen from misuse to abuse and addiction if not correctly identified and managed in a suitable time period.
Causes and contributing factors
There are many different reasons why an individual may develop an addiction as it is known to be a complex disorder, with both physical and mental health factors affecting an individual’s experience.
These reasons may also vary depending on the area in which an individual lives, the environmental factors that they are subject to, and the other individuals that are around them.
The following subheadings outline some of the key influences over an individual’s alcohol consumption and potential misuse.
1. Social
Alcohol is a very social substance. This means that it is often consumed when around others in a social setting such as an event, party, or night out, and this can make it harder to keep track of.
For example, if an individual is drinking alcohol with their friends or coworkers on a night out, then they may be less likely to pay attention to the amount of alcohol they are consuming between different rounds of drinks bought, and they may also be more likely to try and ‘keep up’ with their friends, often drinking more than they normally would.
From this, an individual may continue to drink in these quantities in other situations, as well as having to consume larger and larger quantities in order to gain the same effects.
2. Economical
Though alcohol misuse and consumption are often linked to a poorer economic status i.e., individuals consume large quantities of alcohol which can be very costly, it can also be the reason for an individual consuming large quantities of alcohol in the first place.
Substances and using them recreationally can often be considered as a cheaper alternative than other recreational activities, meaning that individuals may choose to consume substances rather than attend events outside of this behaviour.
The cost of alcohol consumption can also be categorised into two types of effect: direct and indirect – an important distinction to make (2).
3. Mental health
The link between alcohol misuse and an individual’s mental health has long been established, but it is important to comment on, nonetheless.
In the long-term, having a ‘better mental health’ state has been shown to have a greater impact on the reduction of alcohol consumed, as well as a poorer mental health having an impact on the maintenance of heavy drinking (3).
This is why it is always essential for alcohol rehabilitation programmes in London to focus on the addiction itself, as well as any additional mental health issues that an individual may be experiencing as a result of their addiction.
Existing measures to address alcohol misuse
In some areas of London, as well as the UK more broadly, there are already measures in place to address the risks and dangers associated with alcohol misuse and addiction.
These vary in effectiveness depending on their location, the way that they are applied and employed, as well as the individuals that choose to partake in these services.
Some individuals may benefit from these types of support programme, whereas others may not.
1. Government policies
In some areas of London, there are specific regulations and restrictions that suppliers and consumers of alcohol must abide by within the region of London.
This may refer to specific times and regions in which an individual may be able to purchase and consume alcohol.
For example, some places in London do not allow individuals to drink alcohol within a certain radius of other bars, the riverside, or specific sites, meaning that individuals are restricted on where and when they may be able to consume alcohol when out in public.
2. NHS and the public health service
The National Health Service (NHS) provides many different forms of support for individuals who may be struggling with alcohol misuse.
This ranges from over-the-phone advice and information, all the way up to some forms of residential rehabilitation in some areas, for example.
Though the residential rehabilitation options available through the NHS may not be as well-funded and facilitated as some of the dedicated and custom establishments around the UK, they are still a reliable option for those who go to the NHS at the start of their struggles with alcohol.
3. Charities and community organisations
Outside of the NHS and other publicly funded healthcare services, there are a number of different charities and community organisations that work in and around London to provide support to those who need it most.
For example, many Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings are run by individuals, not by corporations, and often these people have gone through recovery themselves or are in the process of it, making these community-led therapies extremely beneficial.
Strategies to tackle alcohol misuse in London – what more can be done?
As with all approaches to alcohol treatment and rehabilitation, there is always more to be done.
However, when it comes to a place as large and as diverse as London, knowing where the support is needed can be challenging, especially due to the rules and restrictions already in place.
The remainder of this article covers some suggestions for the future of alcohol misuse support in London and the surrounding areas.
1. Public awareness campaigns
Despite the dangers of alcohol, many people are unaware of its addictive nature and the long-term impacts that this can have on both their physical and mental health.
This is why introducing media and information to the public is vital in helping people to understand the risks.
This could be done through localised television commercials, posters and warnings in bars and pubs, as well as through direct campaigns such as stalls, stands, and marches in the streets.
Having stricter law enforcement in these areas also falls into this category, though this is a problem all by itself.
2. Stronger regulations and restrictions
In some areas of London, there could be stricter restrictions on the consumption of alcohol, especially in regions of high population density and a high ratio of bars, for example.
By restricting alcohol consumption and purchasing, these areas may become a ‘safe space’ for individuals seeking to avoid alcohol, as well as reducing the impact anti-social behaviour that may be exhibited in these areas.
Though this will not decrease the quantity of alcohol that individuals consume while at home, for example, it is a start to the problems caused by alcohol out in public.
This has already been mentioned by NHS South East London and their collaborative efforts with the Institute of Alcohol Studies in regards to introducing a minimum unit price for alcohol and also prohibiting alcohol advertisement in local authority spaces.
3. Improving access to support services
Though alcohol misuse support services are available in a wide range of locations across London and the UK, this does not mean that most people are aware of them.
This awareness and access could be improved by advertising them within doctors’ offices, GPs, and pharmacies, for example, as these are places which an individual may frequent if they are struggling with their alcohol consumption and the effects of this.
NHS South East London and the Institute of Alcohol Studies also mentioned potentially screening individuals for alcohol consumption and creating a routine for this across the population – this would be put into practise best within doctors’ offices and GPs, for example.
4. Community-based interventions
As mentioned previously, there are many services that are community-based and lead a number of different services relating to alcohol misuse and the treatment of this.
However, providing additional funding and exposure to these services is a great way to get people aware, engaged, and more likely to attend and commit to services such as these.
Community-based interventions can often feel far less official and formal than other types of rehabilitation which can make these types of care far more appealing to individuals, but it is always important to remember that these services are not suitable for every case and that further support may be required in some cases.
Find support for you or someone you know as soon as possible
Getting help for alcohol misuse is nothing to be ashamed of, and there are services all across London and the wider region that are ready and waiting to help all individuals who seek their help.
To learn more about addiction, alcohol misuse, or anything that is related and may be affecting you or someone you know, get in contact with your local healthcare services as soon as possible to avoid long-lasting and long-term problems.
References
[1] City of London Corporation Limited; Insight into City Drinkers, Summary Report; January 2012; https://democracy.cityoflondon.gov.uk/documents/s7912/Insight%20into%20City%20Drinkers.pdf
[2] Thavorncharoensap, M., Teerawattananon, Y., Yothasamut, J., Lertpitakpong, C. and Chaikledkaew, U., 2009. The economic impact of alcohol consumption: a systematic review. Substance abuse treatment, prevention, and policy, 4, pp.1-11.
[3] Bell, S. and Britton, A., 2014. An exploration of the dynamic longitudinal relationship between mental health and alcohol consumption: a prospective cohort study. BMC medicine, 12, pp.1-13.
