Oxfordshire and the South East have high numbers drinking dangerous amounts
The figures are revealed as Drinkaware launch their Alcohol Awareness Week to promote healthier drinking habits
Last updated 4th Jul 2024
New NHS figures reveal the South East England and Oxfordshire, has some of the highest numbers of people drinking dangerous amounts.
28% of men and 11% of women drink risky levels of between more than 14 and up to 50 units a week.
We also have some of fewest non-drinkers among adults who abstain from alcohol weekly.
Across the region only 15% of men and 17% of women do not drink alcohol.
While many wouldn’t bat an eye at regular visits to the dentist or the optometrist, new research from Drinkaware has revealed two thirds, (66%) of adult drinkers in the UK, an estimated 30 million people, have never been asked to check in on their drinking.
This Alcohol Awareness Week, the alcohol charity is urging Brits to take a quick and easy “Drinking Check” and ensure they are not putting their health at risk by unknowingly overconsuming – especially as the summer season and summer holidays come into full swing.
Available on their website, the Drinking Check is a simple tool to understand what impact alcohol may have on health as well as identifying potentially harmful habits. It also provides advice on how to have a healthier relationship with alcohol.
Sam Phillips started drinking at 13 and by 19 was consuming alcohol everyday - he's supporting the campaign, which is encouraging people to look at alcohol a different way.
"It's the only drug you can not take and people question you for it. 'Your not drinking? Why?' That's how accepted it is, so I think we just need to change the way we look at it a little bit and realise it's just as harmful, if not worse because of how accepted it is, than any other drug."
Studies have shown that it can effectively identify people with risky drinking behaviour and regular use can help Brits keep track of their consumption and stay within the Chief Medical Officer’s low risk guidelines of 14 units a week.