One in four Adults in England are Giving Up Booze, Survey Reveals
A staggering number of adults in England have abandoned drinking altogether, with 24% not consuming any alcohol in the past year. The findings come from a questionnaire of over 10,000 people as part of the Health Survey for England and paint a concerning picture of drinking habits across the country.
According to the survey, women are more likely to abstain from alcohol than men, with 26% of women not drinking compared to 22% of men. This trend is also reflected in regional variations, with the West Midlands and London recording the highest proportions of non-drinkers at 27% and 26%, respectively.
However, experts warn that this increase in abstinence does not mean the problem has been resolved. Jem Roberts, head of external affairs at the Institute of Alcohol Studies, cautions that while fewer people are drinking at high-risk levels, "millions of people are still drinking to a level that significantly increases their risk of serious harm." The institute's research highlights the devastating impact of excessive drinking on public health, with record-high alcohol deaths in recent years.
To address this issue, the Institute of Alcohol Studies recommends population-level measures such as minimum unit pricing, clear health warnings on alcohol labels, and restrictions on alcohol availability. These measures have been shown to be effective in reducing alcohol harm and are necessary to tackle the scale of the problem.
The survey also sheds light on other public health concerns, including physical inactivity, chronic illnesses, and vaping habits. With 27% of adults not engaging in regular exercise and 46% living with a longstanding illness or condition, the findings underscore the need for comprehensive policies to promote health and well-being.
While the Department of Health and Social Care has yet to comment on the survey's findings, experts like Jem Roberts emphasize that addressing excessive drinking requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond targeted interventions. By implementing evidence-based measures, the government can help reduce alcohol harm and protect public health.
A staggering number of adults in England have abandoned drinking altogether, with 24% not consuming any alcohol in the past year. The findings come from a questionnaire of over 10,000 people as part of the Health Survey for England and paint a concerning picture of drinking habits across the country.
According to the survey, women are more likely to abstain from alcohol than men, with 26% of women not drinking compared to 22% of men. This trend is also reflected in regional variations, with the West Midlands and London recording the highest proportions of non-drinkers at 27% and 26%, respectively.
However, experts warn that this increase in abstinence does not mean the problem has been resolved. Jem Roberts, head of external affairs at the Institute of Alcohol Studies, cautions that while fewer people are drinking at high-risk levels, "millions of people are still drinking to a level that significantly increases their risk of serious harm." The institute's research highlights the devastating impact of excessive drinking on public health, with record-high alcohol deaths in recent years.
To address this issue, the Institute of Alcohol Studies recommends population-level measures such as minimum unit pricing, clear health warnings on alcohol labels, and restrictions on alcohol availability. These measures have been shown to be effective in reducing alcohol harm and are necessary to tackle the scale of the problem.
The survey also sheds light on other public health concerns, including physical inactivity, chronic illnesses, and vaping habits. With 27% of adults not engaging in regular exercise and 46% living with a longstanding illness or condition, the findings underscore the need for comprehensive policies to promote health and well-being.
While the Department of Health and Social Care has yet to comment on the survey's findings, experts like Jem Roberts emphasize that addressing excessive drinking requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond targeted interventions. By implementing evidence-based measures, the government can help reduce alcohol harm and protect public health.