Arielle Cruz
Alcohol addiction is a pressing issue in the UK, with alcohol being the biggest risk factor for death, ill health, and disability among 15-49-year-olds. While youth alcohol consumption has declined over the last twenty years, a significant proportion of teens still drink, and when they do, they tend to drink at high levels. In 2023, 37% of pupils aged 11-16 in England had ever consumed alcohol, with 6% drinking at least once per week. In Scotland in 2022, the average number of alcohol units consumed by 16-24-year-olds was 15.5 units. This raises concerns about the potential for alcohol-related harm among teens, highlighting the need for education and interventions to address underage drinking and prevent addiction.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of pupils aged 11-16 in England who have drunk alcohol | 37% (2023), 44% (2023), 59% (2009) |
| Number of pupils aged 11-16 in England who drink alcohol at least once per week | 5% (2023), 6% (2023), 18% (2009) |
| Number of pupils aged 11-16 in Northern Ireland who have drunk alcohol | 31% (2022) |
| Number of pupils aged 11-12 in Northern Ireland who have drunk alcohol | 11% (2022) |
| Number of pupils aged 15-16 in Northern Ireland who have drunk alcohol | 64% (2022) |
| Number of young people aged 16-24 in Great Britain who drink alcohol | Declined in recent years |
| Number of adults in England who are alcohol-dependent | 608,416 (2019-2020) |
| Number of adults in England who entered treatment for alcohol problems | 94,173 (2022-2023) |
| Number of alcohol-specific deaths in England | 7,912 (2022) |
| Average consumption of alcohol per adult per year | 9.7 litres or 18 units per week |
| Number of adults (aged 16+) who drank alcohol at least once a week | 48% (2019), 44% (2022/23), 47% (2023), 45% (2023/24) |
| Number of males (aged 16+) who drank alcohol at least once a week | 55% (2019), 52% (2022/23), 54% (2023), 52% (2023/24) |
| Number of females (aged 16+) who drank alcohol at least once a week | 41% (2019), 36% (2022/23), 41% (2023), 37% (2023/24) |
| Number of youth aged 14-15 who have had at least one drink in their lifetime | 19.9% (2023) |
| Number of youth aged 12-20 who drank alcohol beyond "just a few sips" in the past month | 5.6 million (2023) |
| Number of adolescents aged 12-13 who drank alcohol in the past month | 1 in 100 (2023) |
| Number of adolescents aged 16-17 who drank alcohol in the past month | Fewer than 1 in 5 (2023) |
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What You'll Learn
Alcohol dependence in the UK
Alcohol dependence, or alcoholism, is a serious condition that can have a detrimental impact on an individual's health, relationships, and quality of life. It is characterised by a person's inability to function or survive without alcohol, with drinking becoming a dominant factor in their life. Alcohol-dependent individuals often prioritise drinking over other activities or obligations and may experience physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly reduce or stop drinking.
In the UK, alcohol consumption and misuse are prevalent issues. While the latest data suggests that younger generations are drinking less, alcohol still contributes to significant harm and mortality. In 2024, alcohol-related harm in England was estimated to cost £27.44 billion annually, including costs related to lost productivity, crime and disorder, and social services. From 2021 to 2022, there were 342,795 hospital admissions solely attributed to alcohol.
According to a 2023 report, 44% of pupils aged 11 to 15 in England had consumed alcohol, with 6% reporting weekly drinking. This represents a decline from previous years, with a decrease in the proportion of young people aged 16 to 24 choosing to drink alcohol. However, it is important to note that the prevalence of drinking increases with age, with 15% of 11-year-olds and 62% of 15-year-olds reporting ever having an alcoholic drink.
Among adults, alcohol dependence is a significant concern. Between 2019 and 2020, approximately 608,416 adults in England, or about 14 per 1,000 adults, were estimated to be alcohol-dependent. This figure translates to a substantial number of individuals struggling with the physical and psychological consequences of alcohol misuse.
The UK Chief Medical Officers advise that individuals should not regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week to maintain low health risks. However, many people exceed this recommendation, increasing their risk of developing alcohol dependence and a range of health problems. Alcohol is a causal factor in over 200 medical conditions, including high blood pressure, liver disease, and various types of cancer.
Treatment options for alcohol dependence include detoxification, rehabilitation, and ongoing support. Cognitive behavioural therapy, behavioural therapy, and social network and environment-based therapies are also recommended, often in combination with pharmacological interventions for individuals who have not responded solely to psychological treatments.
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Youth drinking trends
In England, the proportion of young people drinking alcohol varies with age. In 2023, 37% of pupils aged 11-16 said they had consumed alcohol at some point, with 15% of 11-year-olds and 62% of 15-year-olds. 5% of pupils drank alcohol at least once per week, with 1% of 11-year-olds and 11% of 15-year-olds. In Northern Ireland in 2022, 31% of pupils had consumed alcohol, with 11% of 11-12-year-olds and 64% of 15-16-year-olds. Boys were more likely to report drinking than girls (33% vs 29%).
While youth drinking has declined overall, certain drinking patterns, such as binge drinking, remain a concern. In 2017, it was found that when 16-24-year-olds drank, they were more likely to drink at high levels. In 2023, 6% of pupils aged 11-15 in England reported drinking at least once per week, a decrease from 18% in 2009. However, in 2023, about 1 in 100 adolescents aged 12-13 reported drinking alcohol in the past month, and about 1 in 200 engaged in binge drinking. Among 16-17-year-olds, fewer than one in five reported drinking, and fewer than one in 10 reported binge drinking. More girls reported drinking and binge drinking than boys (7.9% girls vs 6.0% boys; 4.5% girls vs 3.3% boys).
The decline in youth drinking can be attributed to various factors. One study identified eight key themes provided by young people to explain this decline, including the potential for alcohol-related harm, contemporary youth cultures, and the visibility of alcohol in their everyday lives. While most participants acknowledged the decline, some challenged it, citing heavy drinking in their neighbourhoods or among their peers.
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Alcohol-related harm
Recent studies have shown a decline in youth drinking in England over the last twenty years. One study identified eight key themes that young people cited as reasons for this decline, with the potential for alcohol-related harm being the most frequently mentioned factor. Young people are aware of the risks associated with alcohol consumption, including the potential for alcohol-related brain injury (ARBI) and the increased risk of harm to themselves and others due to impaired decision-making.
Binge drinking, defined as drinking over the recommended level of standard drinks (usually no more than 4 standard drinks in one session), is a particular concern for teenagers. Binge drinking can lead to a higher risk of harm, as young people may engage in risky behaviours such as swimming or drink driving. Additionally, certain drinking patterns, such as drinking daily or drinking outside mealtimes, can increase the risk of alcohol-related diseases, especially liver cirrhosis.
The UK's relationship with alcohol is evolving, with younger generations drinking less than previous generations. In 2019, 48% of adults (aged 16+) reported drinking alcohol at least once a week, compared to 37% of pupils aged 11-16 in England in 2023. However, when younger people do drink, they are more likely to drink at high levels. In 2022/23, the average annual alcohol consumption in Wales among those who drink was 508 units per year, equating to around 9.74 units per week.
The impact of alcohol-related harm extends beyond health issues. In 2024, alcohol-related harm in England was estimated to cost £27.44 billion annually, including costs related to lost productivity, crime and disorder, and social services. Additionally, alcohol-specific deaths have been on the rise, with 7,912 alcohol-specific deaths registered in England in 2022 and 10,473 in the UK in 2023, the highest number on record.
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Alcohol consumption by age
Alcohol consumption among young people in the UK is a significant issue. While the Chief Medical Officer for England recommends that children should not drink alcohol until they are at least 15 years old, many start experimenting with alcohol at a younger age. According to NHS England, in 2023, 37% of pupils aged 11-16 reported having consumed alcohol, with the prevalence increasing with age from 15% of 11-year-olds to 62% of 15-year-olds. Additionally, 5% of pupils reported drinking alcohol at least once per week, with the proportion increasing with age from 1% of 11-year-olds to 11% of 15-year-olds.
In Scotland in 2022, the average number of alcohol units consumed by drinkers varied significantly with age, with 16-24-year-olds consuming 15.5 units and those aged 75 and over consuming 10.2 units. This pattern is consistent with the overall trend in the UK, where younger generations are drinking less, and older adults are more likely to drink at higher-risk levels. In 2021, 31% of 16-24-year-olds drank alcohol at least once a week, compared to 59% of 55-64-year-olds.
The average consumption per adult in the UK is about 9.7 litres of pure alcohol per year, or approximately 18 units per week. However, this varies by age group and gender. In 2021, the average weekly consumption among men was 14.7 units, while women consumed 8.5 units on average. The proportion of drinkers who drink at least once a week has declined over time, dropping to 45% in 2023-24.
While the overall trend shows a decrease in alcohol consumption among young people, it is important to note that when they do drink, they are more likely to engage in high-risk drinking behaviours. In 2019, 48% of adults aged 16 and over reported drinking alcohol at least once a week, with men (55%) more likely to drink weekly than women (41%). However, in 2021, only 31% of 16-24-year-olds drank alcohol at least once a week, making them the age group least likely to do so.
The UK has seen a rise in alcohol dependence, with an estimated 608,416 adults in England meeting the criteria for alcohol dependence in 2019-2020. This equates to about 14 per 1,000 adults. Alcohol-related harm in England incurs significant costs, with an estimated £27.44 billion spent in 2024, including losses due to crime, disorder, and social services.
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Alcohol treatment options
Alcohol is the biggest risk factor for death, ill health, and disability among 15–49-year-olds in the UK. In 2023, 37% of pupils aged 11–16 in England reported having consumed alcohol, with 5% drinking at least once per week. In Northern Ireland, 31% of pupils had consumed alcohol, with 46% of those young people reporting that they had been drunk at least once.
While there are no specific statistics on the number of teens addicted to alcohol in the UK, alcohol use is a causal factor in over 60 medical conditions, and it is likely to worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression.
If you notice signs of alcohol use in your teenager, it is important to address them immediately and consult a doctor for a professional analysis of the situation. Counselling can be beneficial if your teen has experimented with alcohol and does not suffer from addiction. However, if your doctor suspects addiction, it is recommended to start looking for teen addiction treatment options.
Treatment options include detox, rehabilitation, and ongoing support. Rehab programs offer varying levels of care depending on the needs of the teen. This may include medication to manage any co-occurring mental health disorders, educational sessions to help clients learn everyday skills, and assistance in building healthy study habits and applying for college.
After completing a rehab program, teens are encouraged to join a recovery program or support group to prevent relapses. Support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous help teen addicts practice long-term sobriety and connect with others going through similar struggles.
In the UK, services for people with alcohol problems should routinely monitor all interventions. This includes formal tools that measure self-reported changes in alcohol use and aspects of health and wellbeing, as well as blood tests and liver screening to measure health outcomes.
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