Alcohol Deaths England and the effectiveness of the current England Alcohol Strategy are under critical examination. Drinking is a regular part of life for many adults in England, yet serious health risks have never been clearer. This blog explores the latest trends in alcohol use, rising alcohol-related harms, and whether national policies are still fit for purpose. You’ll see exactly why the debate around prevention is coming to the forefront once again.

Drinking Patterns in England and the Impact on Health

Alcohol’s Ongoing Role in English Culture

Alcohol is woven into social, family, and work life for most adults in England. But with every pint or glass of wine, there’s a risk. Excessive drinking increases chances of liver disease, cancer, heart problems, accidents, and even premature death. Since the last England Alcohol Strategy was released in 2012, we’ve seen huge changes in who drinks, how much, and the damage it can cause.

Staying Sober is Trendy, but Most Still Drink

Younger people are increasingly cutting back or avoiding alcohol, with more than one-quarter of 16–24-year-olds now choosing not to drink at all. The popularity of alcohol-free drinks has soared, and hospital visits for alcohol poisoning have fallen.

Despite these positive signs, the overall amount of alcohol people drink has changed very little over the past decade. According to the latest data:

• The average adult in England drank around 13 units a week in 2022 (roughly six pints of beer).
• Men drank significantly more than women, averaging 17.6 units per week in 2022, which is the highest in ten years.
• For comparison, women drank an average of 8.6 units per week in 2020.

This suggests that, while some groups are drinking less, the overall culture remains stable, and recent increases in men’s drinking are significant.

The Surge in Alcohol Deaths in England

The most concerning trend is the recent sharp rise in alcohol deaths across England.

• Between 2006 and 2018, alcohol-specific deaths averaged around 5,000 to 5,600 per year.
• After 2019, this number climbed steeply, with more than 8,000 deaths recorded in 2023 (an increase of over 40% in just a few years).

This escalation coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people drank more during lockdowns, had less access to healthcare and support services, and faced a rise in mental health challenges. Each of these factors likely contributed to a spike in alcohol-related harm.

Who Are England’s Heaviest Drinkers?

A Shift Towards Older Age

There’s a clear change in who is most at risk. Heavy drinkers are defined as:

• Men consuming more than 50 units per week
• Women consuming more than 35 units per week

From 2012 to 2022, the percentage of adults in England who are heavy drinkers has edged up from 4% to 5%. Yet the makeup of this group looks very different:

• Back in 2012, only 12% of heavy drinkers were aged 65+; by 2022, this had jumped to 21%.
• People aged 44 and under dropped from 49% of heavy drinkers in 2012 to 35%.
• The 45-64 age category saw an increase, now accounting for 43% of heavy drinkers.

Why Does Age Matter?

Older drinkers face unique risks. They’re more likely to have been drinking heavily for longer, increasing cumulative health damage. The way their bodies process alcohol also changes with age, making them more vulnerable even at the same unit levels as younger people. Heavy alcohol use worsens common conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and memory loss. More worryingly, the rate of hospital admissions for alcohol-related injuries among older people recently increased from 49.7 per 100,000 in 2022/23 to 61.6 in 2023/24.

Alcohol Deaths England and the Challenge of Treatment

Who Gets Help?

Even as more older adults become heavy drinkers, they are much less likely to access alcohol treatment services:

• 21% of heavy drinkers were 65+ in 2022.
• Only 4% of people in alcohol treatment were 65+ that year.

There are many reasons for this gap:

• Drinking is often seen as a ‘younger person’s problem’. Health professionals might misinterpret signs of problem drinking in the elderly or believe treatment won’t help older people.
• Some older adults feel they are “too old” for treatment, or aren’t aware their drinking is risky.
• The pandemic pushed many services online, which can make it harder for older people to get help.

This mismatch between who needs support and who gets it makes reducing alcohol deaths even more challenging.

GPs and Harm Reduction

Not every heavy drinker qualifies for specialist alcohol services, as these are usually for people with dependence. Less than half of heavy drinkers have a dependency and, even then, only around one-fifth enter treatment. Still, GPs play a vital role for all heavy drinkers, as they’re often the first professionals to spot signs of alcohol harm and offer support or advice.

Does England Need a New Alcohol Strategy?

The Old vs. New Reality

The England Alcohol Strategy released in 2012 focused heavily on binge drinking, anti-social behaviour, and reducing harm to younger people. Fast forward to now, and the reality has shifted:

• Heavy drinkers are getting older and are more often male.
• Alcohol-specific deaths have hit a record high, especially since 2020.
• The health system faces new challenges, from older drinkers’ complex medical needs to rising hospital admissions for injury.

Policy for Prevention and Harm Reduction

These changes call for a fresh look at how England tackles alcohol harm. Prevention is being emphasised at the highest policy levels as a means of protecting both health and the NHS. Real change may require:

• Better training for healthcare professionals to recognise risky drinking in older adults.
• Improved public education about the true health risks of alcohol across all ages.
• Considering policy ideas like minimum unit pricing, tailored to current drinking trends.
• Stronger support for GPs who often bridge the gap for people who don’t access specialist alcohol treatment.

Where Does England Go from Here?

The story told by the statistics is clear. While more young people are choosing sobriety, heavy and risky drinking is now far more likely among older adults. Alcohol deaths in England have rocketed to record highs, and the health system faces unprecedented challenges. Prevention, education, and tailored support are likely critical if England is to turn the tide..

Source: Nuffield Trust