Tackling Alcohol-Related Harms in the UK

Alcohol remains one of the most harmful substances in the UK, directly affecting physical and mental health and placing a strain on families and health systems. Widely consumed by around 80% of UK adults, no safe drinking level has been established, and the risks increase the more alcohol is consumed. Alarmingly, alcohol is a leading preventable cause of cancer and contributes significantly to premature deaths and inequalities in health.

The Alcohol Harm Paradox

One of the most concerning aspects of alcohol-related harm is its disproportionate impact on socially disadvantaged groups. Surprisingly, despite generally lower rates of alcohol use, these communities experience higher levels of harm—a phenomenon known as the “alcohol harm paradox.” This provides clear evidence that alcohol fuels inequality and leaves the most vulnerable members of society at the greatest risk.

The covid-19 pandemic brought significant challenges, including an alarming rise in high-risk drinking behaviours. From 2019 to 2023, deaths from alcohol-specific causes in England soared by a staggering 42.2%. Many of these deaths, often linked to conditions like liver disease, represent avoidable tragedies caused by alcohol. This trend further highlights the urgent need to address alcohol consumption as a public health crisis.

Local Action to Counter Alcohol Harms

While policy action at a national level is crucial, local authorities and health bodies can implement key measures to help reduce alcohol-related harms. One recent initiative comes from NHS South East London, which has unveiled recommendations to address the rising costs and health impacts of alcohol in its communities.

The recommendations include measures aimed at reducing alcohol availability and encouraging healthier behaviours, such as:

Introducing minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol.
Restricting alcohol advertising in public spaces.
Tightening regulation of alcohol sales at certain times and in certain locations.
Reducing the sale of low-cost, high-strength alcoholic drinks.
Improving and expanding screening and treatment pathways.

While some proposals focus on harm reduction, it is clear that curbing the widespread availability of alcohol is essential for safeguarding public health and reducing its societal cost.

Why Alcohol Harms Go Beyond Individual Choice

Excessive drinking doesn’t just harm individuals; it also strains the NHS, affects families, and creates broader social challenges. South-east London alone bears an estimated £902.5 million annual cost due to alcohol harms, equivalent to £504 per resident. This immense burden reinforces the need for urgent, bold action to confront the root causes of alcohol dependency and misuse.

Public health experts have stressed the importance of prioritising health and wellbeing over the commercial interests of the alcohol industry. By creating environments where alcohol is less accessible and less normalised, communities across the UK can move toward healthier, safer lifestyles.

Protecting Future Generations

The harms caused by alcohol are unlike any other. Beyond the immediate health consequences, alcohol consumption drives inequality and erodes the fabric of communities. The data is clear—it’s time for systemic change to ensure healthier outcomes for future generations.

Ongoing initiatives at the local and national levels are vital, but a united approach that firmly prioritises public health over economic interests is the only sustainable way forward. Every step taken to reduce alcohol availability and consumption brings us closer to achieving a healthier and more equitable society.

Source: Selondonics., bmj