Quick summary: Despite most adults acknowledging that alcohol is highly addictive, 18% of the population currently drinks at hazardous levels as summer socialising normalises increased consumption. Health experts warn that this stark disconnect between public awareness and behavior frequently masks the gradual onset of dependency, which is exacerbated by regional cultural variations and the widespread legal encouragement of drinking. These findings demand urgent public policy interventions and adaptive healthcare practices to better publicise safe unit limits, challenge deeply embedded social drinking habits, and support individual mental health and long term well-being
Health experts are warning that many people overlook the addictive nature of alcohol as summer socialising increases consumption, with figures showing around 600,000 adults in England are believed to be alcohol dependent.
Adults consume an average of 10.7 litres of pure alcohol per person each year, equivalent to around 21 UK units per week, approximately nine pints of beer or seven large glasses of wine. The recommended maximum is 14 units per week, spread over at least three days and including alcohol-free days. Despite this, 18% of adults drink at hazardous levels or above, with men more than twice as likely as women to fall into this category, at 24.8% compared with 11.7%.
The seasonal risk is already reflected in online behaviour, with searches for “pub hours” reaching 13,000 over the past month, up 15%, as people look to make the most of warmer weather and outdoor socialising.
New YouGov data reveals that 78% of adults believe alcohol is addictive, while just 18% consider it not very addictive or not addictive at all. Awareness was highest among women, at 84%, compared with 72% of men. Older adults were also more likely to view alcohol as addictive, with 83% of those aged 50–64 describing it as such, compared with 73% of those aged 18–24.
From what you know, how addictive do you think alcohol is?
| Age group | Addictive | Not addictive |
|---|---|---|
| 18–24 | 73% | 22% |
| 25–49 | 77% | 18% |
| 50–64 | 83% | 17% |
| 65 and over | 79% | 19% |
| Male | 72% | 24% |
| Female | 84% | 13% |
| Overall | 78% | 18% |
Experts say the findings highlight a disconnect between public understanding and drinking behaviour, with nearly 1 in 5 adults drinking at hazardous levels or above despite most acknowledging alcohol’s addictive properties.
Respondents in Wales were the most likely to recognise alcohol as addictive at 86%, followed by Scotland at 83%. Londoners were the least likely, with just 69% describing alcohol as addictive and 24% saying it is not, significantly above the national average of 18%.
From what you know, how addictive do you think alcohol is?
| Region | Addictive | Not addictive |
|---|---|---|
| London | 69% | 24% |
| South | 77% | 19% |
| Midlands | 81% | 17% |
| North | 81% | 17% |
| Scotland | 83% | 14% |
| Wales | 86% | 14% |
Health professionals suggest these regional differences may reflect varying drinking cultures, social attitudes and levels of awareness surrounding alcohol-related harm.
Dr Karen Faulkner, Associate Medical Director at Panthera Clinic, said: “Alcohol occupies a unique place in British culture because it is both legal and socially encouraged, which can make it difficult for people to recognise when their relationship with drinking is beginning to change.”
“What’s particularly interesting is that most people understand alcohol can be addictive, yet many still underestimate how easily regular drinking can become habitual. Dependence often develops gradually and doesn’t always fit the stereotypes people associate with addiction.”
“During the summer months, drinking can become even more normalised through holidays, beer gardens, barbecues, festivals, and sporting events. Whether people are meeting friends to watch sports games, gathering in pub gardens, or attending outdoor screenings, alcohol often becomes woven into everyday social activities, making it harder for people to spot when occasional drinking has become a routine.”
“We regularly speak to people who are surprised by how difficult they find it to cut back, despite wanting to. For many, periods of increased social drinking can act as a wake-up call, helping them recognise that their habits have changed and may be becoming harder to control. The challenge isn’t necessarily a lack of awareness about alcohol’s risks. It’s recognising when a socially accepted habit has crossed the line into something that’s beginning to have a negative impact on your health, well-being, or daily life.”
For those looking to cut back this summer, Dr Faulkner recommends the following steps.
- Plan alcohol-free days each week. “Scheduling regular breaks from drinking can help prevent alcohol from becoming part of your daily routine. Giving your body and mind a chance to reset can also help people become more aware of when they are drinking out of habit rather than choice.”
- Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks. “Staying hydrated can reduce overall consumption and help avoid drinking more than intended. Alternating drinks can also slow the pace of drinking during social events, making it easier to stay within personal limits.”
- Set a limit before social events. “Deciding how many drinks you’ll have before arriving at a barbecue, festival, pub garden, or sporting event can make it easier to stick to your goals. Research has shown that people are often more likely to exceed their intended intake when decisions are made in the moment rather than planned in advance.”
- Avoid drinking out of habit. “Ask yourself whether you’re having a drink because you genuinely want one or simply because it’s part of the occasion. Many people automatically reach for an alcoholic drink after work or during social gatherings without considering whether they actually feel like drinking.”
- Explore alcohol-free alternatives. “The range of low- and no-alcohol beers, wines, and spirits has expanded significantly in recent years, making it easier to participate socially without drinking as much. For many people, maintaining the social ritual without the alcohol can be an effective way to reduce overall consumption.”
- Keep track of your intake. “Many people underestimate how much they drink over the course of a week. Monitoring units or keeping a simple drinks diary can provide a clearer picture of drinking habits and help identify patterns that may otherwise go unnoticed.”
- Watch for changes in your relationship with alcohol. “Finding it difficult to relax, socialise, or enjoy an event without drinking can be an early sign that alcohol is becoming more important than intended. Similarly, regularly drinking more than planned or feeling frustrated when trying to cut back may indicate that it is time to reassess your habits.”
- Be mindful of social pressure. “Summer often brings more invitations to barbecues, festivals, sporting events, and pub gatherings. While there can be pressure to drink in social settings, it’s important to remember that choosing not to drink, or drinking less, is becoming increasingly common and socially accepted.”
- Focus on the occasion, not the alcohol. “Rather than making drinking the centrepiece of a social event, try focusing on the people, activities, or experience itself. Shifting attention away from alcohol can help reduce the expectation that every celebration or gathering needs to involve drinking.”
Research continues to explore new approaches to reducing alcohol cravings and supporting individuals who wish to cut back on their drinking.