Alcohol abuse costs England £27bn annually

Alcohol abuse in England is not only a health crisis but also a significant economic burden, costing the nation an astounding £27 billion each year.

This figure includes the impact on various sectors including healthcare, social services, the criminal justice system, and the broader economy.

The costs of alcohol abuse

Research by the Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS) illustrates the alarming cost to the NHS as a result of alcohol-related issues, amounting to approximately £4.9 billion annually.

• • This includes over £3 billion from A&E visits and hospital admissions alone.
  • The criminal justice system bears a further £14.6 billion of costs, highlighting the extensive legal implications resulting from alcohol abuse.
  • Our social services are forced to allocate nearly £3 billion a year to address the familial and social disruptions caused by excessive drinking.
  • The economic impact extends to lost productivity and employment, totalling around £5 billion.

Regional disparities and broader implications

It’s notable that these costs are not uniformly distributed across the country.

The cost of alcohol harm amongst the general population is £485 a year, with the lowest figures in the south-west and the highest being in the north-east at £562 per person per year.

This geographical disparity underscores the varied social and economic landscapes, which may influence drinking culture and its associated harms.

Call for a comprehensive alcohol strategy

Experts argue for a robust response to this growing issue.

The Commons Health and Social Care Select Committee is set to review these findings, emphasising the necessity for a strategic approach to reduce alcohol-related harm.

Recommendations include increasing duties on alcohol, implementing health warnings, and enforcing stricter marketing regulations.

Such measures aim to curb the accessibility and appeal of alcohol, particularly among younger demographics, and to encourage less irresponsible consumption.

Perspectives from health professionals and industry

Health leaders like Dr. Sarah Clarke, from the Royal College of Physicians, advocates for immediate action to alleviate the strain on healthcare systems and society at large.

Conversely, industry representatives, like Matt Lambert from the alcohol industry funded Portman Group, defend the role of the alcohol sector in the economy and highlight efforts to promote moderate drinking.

The alcohol industry have worked tirelessly for decades to avoid the same kind of legislation aimed at Big Tobacco.

Comment from Allen Carr’s Easyway

Our expertise is in addiction cessation and we see first hand the devastating effects of alcohol abuse.

The staggering cost of £27 billion annually in England due to alcohol abuse highlights a critical public health crisis that requires immediate attention.

Increased alcohol duties, stricter advertising guidelines, and enhanced public awareness might be necessary but need to be partnered with greater help and support for those who find themselves in difficulty with alcohol consumption.

Simply increasing the cost of alcohol will not help those most in need of help with their addiction to alcohol.

What measures do you think would be most effective in reducing the cost of alcohol harm? Join the discussion below and help shape a healthier future.

Find out more on how you can stop drinking with our top tips guide, and check out our stop drinking programmes for more information on how you can quit for good.

References:
1. Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/society/article/2024/may/17/27bn-a-year-spent-in-england-on-harm-done-by-alcohol-study-finds