Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
A recent government-supported NHS health survey reveals that nearly 25% of adults in England have chosen not to consume alcohol over the past year. This upward trend in alcohol abstinence is particularly noticeable among younger individuals and men. According to the 2024 Health Survey for England, one in four adults reported avoiding alcohol entirely during the previous 12 months.
Historically, from 2011 to 2022, the proportion of adults not drinking alcohol remained relatively constant at around 19%. However, the new data indicates a significant rise in abstention rates. Age and gender appear to be key factors influencing these drinking habits. For example, 39% of young men say they have not consumed alcohol, while only 16% of men aged 65 and above report abstinence. Among women, nearly a third of those between 16 and 24 years old are non-drinkers, in contrast to just 17% of older women aged 55 to 64.
The survey also highlights that older adults who do drink are more likely to consume alcohol at levels considered risky, particularly those aged 65 to 74, who have nearly double the likelihood of risky drinking compared to the younger 25 to 34 age group. Additionally, socioeconomic factors come into play, with individuals living in less affluent areas generally drinking less than those in wealthier communities.
The NHS advises that people should not exceed 14 units of alcohol per week and suggests spreading consumption over at least three days. To provide context, one unit corresponds to 10ml of pure alcohol—roughly half a pint of standard-strength lager or a single 25ml measure of spirits. Examples include: a small glass of wine contains about 1.5 units, a standard glass around 2.1 units, and a whole bottle of wine has about 10 units. Meanwhile, a can of beer, lager, or cider accounts for two units, and a pint ranges between two to three units depending on its strength.
Despite the encouraging trend of declining risky alcohol consumption, organizations warn that alcohol-related harm remains significant. Jem Roberts, head of external affairs at the Institute of Alcohol Studies, emphasizes the ongoing public health challenges posed by alcohol. He notes, “Millions of people are still drinking at levels that significantly increase their risk of serious harm, from alcohol-related cancers to life-changing injuries and long-term illness, and we have seen record high alcohol deaths in recent years.” Roberts advocates for policy measures including minimum unit pricing, clear health warnings on labels, tighter controls on alcohol availability, and comprehensive bans on marketing as the most effective strategies to curb the rising number of alcohol-related deaths
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.