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Growing number of adults avoid alcohol, NHS survey suggests
Summary
An NHS survey reports a rising share of adults are avoiding alcohol, while campaigners say millions still drink at levels linked to health risks; the NHS recommends not exceeding 14 units a week.
Content
An NHS survey reports a growing number of adults are avoiding alcohol in England. The findings have prompted discussion about drinking habits, health guidance, and the scale of alcohol-related harm. The NHS recommends adults do not drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week and to spread intake over three or more days. Income appears linked to consumption, with people in more deprived areas tending to drink less than more affluent neighbours.
Key findings:
- The NHS survey reports a growing number of adults are avoiding alcohol.
- The NHS recommends not drinking more than 14 units a week and spreading intake over three or more days.
- One unit of alcohol is 10 ml of pure alcohol; common equivalents cited include a small glass of wine about 1.5 units, a standard glass about 2.1 units, a bottle of wine 10 units, a can of lager/beer/cider 2 units, and a pint 2–3 units depending on strength.
- People living in more deprived areas tend to drink less than more affluent neighbours, according to the survey.
- Campaigners say that while risky drinking has fallen for some, millions still consume alcohol at levels that could threaten health, and that England has seen record-high alcohol deaths in recent years, as noted by Jem Roberts of the Institute of Alcohol Studies.
- The Institute and other campaigners describe measures they view as effective to reduce alcohol deaths, including minimum unit pricing, clearer health warnings on labels, restrictions on availability, and limits on alcohol marketing.
Summary:
The survey highlights shifting drinking patterns and restates existing NHS guidance on weekly limits. Campaigners and public-health groups emphasise that substantial numbers still drink at potentially harmful levels and have outlined policy measures they support. Undetermined at this time.
