Alcohol statistics UK 2025

608,416 adults in England were estimated to be alcohol dependent, and other recent facts and statistics about alcohol.

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The UK’s relationship with alcohol is changing, with the latest data suggesting that younger generations are drinking less. Drawing on data from government offices, charities and research in the field, we have compiled key facts and statistics about alcohol consumption, drinking habits, alcohol use disorder, and its impact on public health.

Prevalence

As of 2019, 78.3% of individuals aged 15 and over in the UK were current drinkers. [1]
Between 2016 and 2019, the prevalence of heavy episodic drinking in the UK rose from 29.8% to 33.6%. [1]

Demographics

In 2019, heavy episodic drinking among women in the UK increased from 13.8% to 21.7%, marking a nearly 60% rise. [1]
A 2023 survey indicated that 25% of individuals aged 18 to 24 in the UK are now completely teetotal, reflecting a significant shift towards sobriety among younger generations. [2]

Alcohol dependence and treatment

Between 2019 and 2020, approximately 608,416 adults in England were estimated to be alcohol dependent, equating to about 14 per 1,000 adults. [3]
In the 2022 to 2023 period, 94,173 adults in England entered treatment for alcohol problems alone, representing 30% of all adults in treatment. [4]

Health impact

In 2022, there were 7,912 alcohol-specific deaths registered in England, highlighting the significant mortality associated with alcohol consumption. [4]
In 2021, there were 7,872 deaths from chronic liver disease in England, equating to a rate of 14.5 per 100,000 population. [5]

Economic and social impact

In 2024, alcohol-related harm in England was estimated to cost £27.44 billion annually. This includes £5.06 billion due to lost productivity, £14.58 billion related to crime and disorder, and £2.89 billion in social services costs. [6]
In 2021, there were 7,872 deaths from chronic liver disease in England, equating to a rate of 14.5 per 100,000 population. [7]

Youth and alcohol

A 2023 report indicated that 44% of pupils aged 11 to 15 in England had ever drunk alcohol, showing a decline from 59% in 2009. [7]
In 2023, 6% of pupils aged 11 to 15 reported usually drinking alcohol at least once per week, a decrease from 18% in 2009. [7]

Trends in alcohol consumption

The proportion of young people aged 16 to 24 in Great Britain who drink alcohol has declined over recent years, with increasing numbers choosing to abstain completely. [2]
From 2024 to 2029, the non-alcoholic beer segment is forecast to grow by 64.9 million U.S. dollars in the UK, representing a 16 percent increase. [9]