A significant shift in drinking habits is underway in England, with new data showing that one in four adults now abstain from alcohol entirely. This trend towards sobriety is gaining momentum, particularly among men and younger demographics, according to the latest findings from the Health Survey for England.
Rising Tide of Abstinence
The survey, which involved a questionnaire of 10,000 people, indicates that almost a quarter (24%) of adults in England did not consume alcohol in 2024. This marks a notable increase from just under a fifth (19%) recorded in 2022, suggesting a growing cultural move away from drinking.
Gender and Regional Disparities
While women remain slightly more abstemious, with 26% not drinking compared to 22% of men, the proportion of non-drinkers has risen across both genders in recent years. Regionally, the West Midlands and London lead with the highest rates of abstinence at 27% and 26% respectively, contrasting sharply with north-east England, where only 17% are non-drinkers.
Experts Urge Caution Amid Positive Trends
Jem Roberts, head of external affairs at the Institute of Alcohol Studies, described the increase in non-drinkers as "encouraging" but emphasised that it should not detract from the ongoing scale of alcohol-related harm. "Millions of people are still drinking at levels that significantly increase their risk of serious harm, from alcohol-related cancers to life-changing injuries and long-term illness," Roberts stated.
He highlighted record high alcohol deaths in recent years and criticised industry-led approaches that focus on targeted interventions. "Decades of robust evidence show this approach does not work," he argued, advocating instead for population-level measures such as:
- Minimum unit pricing
- Clear health warnings on alcohol labels
- Restrictions on alcohol availability
- Comprehensive bans on alcohol marketing
Persistent Risks Among Drinkers
Among those who do drink, the survey reveals concerning patterns:
- 51% of men and 60% of women drink at lower risk levels.
- More men (27%) than women (15%) consume at increasing or higher risk levels, exceeding 14 units per week.
- 5% of men drink over 50 units weekly, and 3% of women exceed 35 units, both classified as higher risk.
- People aged 65 to 74 are twice as likely to drink at risky levels (29%) compared to those aged 25 to 34 (14%).
Broader Health Context
The survey also provided insights into wider health behaviours, finding that 27% of adults are inactive, engaging in less than 30 minutes of exercise per week. Additionally, 46% have at least one longstanding illness or condition, and 10% currently use e-cigarettes or vapes.
These findings come against a backdrop of previous research indicating that alcohol abuse costs the NHS approximately £4.9 billion annually, with over £3 billion spent on alcohol-related A&E visits and hospital admissions. The Department of Health and Social Care has been approached for comment on these latest statistics.
