Growing number of adults avoid booze, says NHS survey

What’s Happening

Not gonna lie, Almost a quarter of adults in England do not drink alcohol, according to new figures from a health survey.

Growing number of adults avoid booze, says NHS survey 13 hours ago Save Dominic Hughes Health correspondent Save Younger people seem to be swearing off the booze Almost a quarter of adults in England do not drink alcohol, according to new figures from a government-backed NHS health survey. The data suggests that young people, and increasing numbers of men in particular, are shunning booze. (and honestly, same)

The latest data from the Health Survey for England for 2024 suggests 24% of adults dropped they havent drunk alcohol in the previous year.

The Details

But far fewer older people abstain from alcohol and those who do drink, are likely to do so at more dangerous levels. Between 2011 and 2022, the number of adults who claimed not to drink alcohol had been fairly stable, at around 19% – almost one in five.

But these figures suggest that figure has risen, with almost a quarter of adults saying they havent drunk alcohol in the past year. Age and sex are playing a significant part in attitudes towards booze.

Why This Matters

Some 39% of young men say they had abstained from alcohol. This compares to around 16% of men aged 65 and older, who say they dont drink. Among women, 31% - almost a third of those aged 16 to 24 - are non drinkers.

Medical professionals are taking note of this development.

Key Takeaways

But for older women aged 55 to 64, just 17% - fewer than one in five - dont drink.
Income also plays a role, with people living in more deprived areas tending to drink less than their more affluent neighbours.
Risky drinking continues The NHS recommends not drinking more than 14 units of alcohol a week and spreading intake over three or more days.