Nearly 10,000 British troops have been treated for alcohol abuse over the past five years, according to figures obtained by The Sun on Sunday. Medical records from the Ministry of Defence reveal that 966 service personnel were classified as alcohol dependent, and 143 staff members were medically discharged due to booze-related health issues.

Disciplinary Actions and Offences

Since 2018, more than 4,000 military personnel have faced disciplinary action for alcohol-related offences. In particular, the Royal Navy reported that 200 sailors and marines were punished for drinking-related offences over a two-year period.

The serious impact of alcohol abuse within the armed forces is further highlighted by the tragic case of Nicholas Hart, a soldier who died at Catterick, North Yorkshire, in 2022. A report into his death found that he was consuming 18 bottles of beer a night on his own. This incident has led to recommendations regarding the regulation of alcohol consumption within barrack rooms, where currently no specific rules exist.

Military Leadership’s Perspective

General Sir Richard Dannatt has emphasised that alcohol abuse poses a greater risk to the armed forces than illegal drugs. He stated, “Abuse of alcohol has long been a chronic problem in the Army – more so than misuse of drugs which is dealt with very severely.” Dannatt pointed out that the culture of working hard and then playing hard often leads to alcohol misuse. However, he also noted an increased awareness of the dangers of alcohol abuse and the importance of physical fitness in the Army compared to 10 or 20 years ago.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson acknowledged the issue but noted that alcohol abuse affects only a small proportion of the armed forces. The spokesperson highlighted various measures in place to reduce alcohol misuse, including a strict code of conduct, education and awareness campaigns, and support from highly trained healthcare professionals. These initiatives aim to support the welfare of personnel and mitigate the risks associated with alcohol abuse.

Statistics at a Glance

• Nearly 10,000 British troops treated for alcohol abuse in the past five years
• 966 service personnel classified as alcohol dependent
• 143 staff medically discharged due to booze-related health issues
• More than 4,000 disciplinary actions for alcohol-related offences since 2018
• 200 sailors and marines in the Royal Navy punished for drinking-related offences over two years
• No current rules on the amount of alcohol allowed in barrack rooms, but recommendations are being made

Source: DB Recovery Resources