Half of adult drinkers in London (54%) feel that England has an unhealthy relationship with alcohol according to the Drinkaware Annual Monitor, published today (Thursday 30 November). The figure rises to 66% in Scotland, 63% in Northern Ireland, 56% in England and 38% in Wales.
While many London drinkers believe that England as a whole has an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, when asked about their own or, family and friends, only one in ten felt it was unhealthy (13% & 9%). While nearly one in five London drinkers (18%) said they drank more than the UK Chief Medical Officers guidelines of 14 units per week.
The Drinkaware Monitor 2023 is the annual ‘state of the nation’ survey conducted for Drinkaware by YouGov, that provides an insight into the drinking habits of the UK. This year’s Monitor looked at how we talk about alcohol and have honest conversations.
The Monitor asked 10,473 people from across the UK about their perceptions, and those surveyed highlighted their concerns about how alcohol is seen in society.
Karen Tyrell, Chief Executive of the charity Drinkaware said:
“Our research shows the difference between perception and reality when it comes to our relationship with alcohol. Most people think the country has a drinking problem, but it is not them, it is someone else.
“We need to be more open and honest about our own relationship with alcohol and talk more about our drinking habits. We can learn from the change we’ve seen in how we talk about mental health, and make people feel more comfortable talking about their drinking.
“One way to understand more about your drinking habits is by doing the Drinkaware Drinking Check. This short quiz is a quick and easy way to find out if you’re putting your health at risk and is a great way to encourage a conversation.”
The report found half (53%) of London adults do not think our society is understanding of people with drinking problems, rising to 65% in Scotland.
When it comes to people who are concerned about someone else’s drinking, one in five (23%) Londoners haven’t done anything, 52% have spoken to them about it, 33% have made a comment about it to them, and 28% have encouraged them to seek help or treatment.
Having a conversation is more effective in helping people take action about their own drinking, rather than making a comment. Across the UK, only 32% of cases resulted in action when a comment was made, compared to 44% when a conversation was initiated.
The Monitor focus groups revealed that conversations can have an impact on an individual’s drinking, but this can take time and often happens after several conversations. Their effectiveness depends on the drinker’s openness to the issues with their drinking.
The Monitor is the only UK-wide nationally representative survey that dives into peoples’ drinking habits and behaviour. It also looked at London statistics, and found:
London adults appear to be drinking less frequently, with those drinking alcohol less often than weekly rising to 36% compared to 31% in 2019.
Those drinking at home alone in London at least once a week is down from 25% in 2021 to 19% in 2023.
Only 27% of London adults would feel comfortable having a conversation with family and 25% with friends about their drinking, compared to 35% with a partner.
Women in London feel most uncomfortable about having this conversation, with a third (34%) not very comfortable or not comfortable at all starting a conversation about a friend’s drinking (vs. 23% of men).
Wine and beer are the most commonly consumed drinks among London’s drinkers, approximately three in ten London drinkers always or often drink wine (36%) and beer (35%).
People can learn more about their drinking habits and get free tips and advice by doing the Drinkaware Drinking Check. This short quiz helps you find out if your drinking is putting your health at serious risk, visit www.drinkaware.co.uk
