This year, the Alcohol Awareness Week is upon us once again. Organised by Alcohol Change UK, this annual initiative runs from July 3rd to 9th, focusing on the theme of ‘Alcohol and Cost’. Alcohol Change UK is inviting everyone to join in this vital conversation, as we shed light on the true price we pay for alcohol consumption, both as individuals and a society.
Dr Richard Piper, from Alcohol Change UK, offers a clear insight into the pressing issue at hand. “Alcohol Change UK wants to see a Britain with alcohol but without serious alcohol harm. This vision of a healthier, happier country is within our grasp if we embrace some changes,” he said. His words highlight the mission of Alcohol Awareness Week, aiming to enlighten the public about the often-overlooked costs of alcohol.
According to Alcohol Change UK, the average drinker in the UK spends around £62,8991 on alcohol over their lifetime. The repercussions of this expenditure go beyond monetary loss, with several personal and societal costs.
Personal Costs: Health, Relationships, and Time
Dr Piper emphasises the far-reaching effects of alcohol consumption on personal health, stating that alcohol damages various organs including the heart, liver, and brain, while also causing seven forms of cancer. The alcohol-related health risks aren’t limited to heavy drinkers; even moderate drinkers face significant health threats.
Alcohol’s impact also seeps into our relationships, contributing to issues such as domestic violence, family breakdown, and alcohol-reliant friendships. Furthermore, its consumption affects our time, leading to reduced energy, poor sleep, and longer recovery periods, which all negatively impact our quality of life.
Societal Costs: Health Services, Crime, and Productivity
On a societal level, the annual cost of alcohol in the UK is estimated to be more than £27 billion2, accounting for health-related expenses, crime, and lost productivity. Over 1.25 million hospital visits per year are alcohol-related, with the resultant health harms estimated to cost billions annually. Additionally, alcohol-related crime and its associated costs in terms of police time, court time, and prison expenses contribute heavily to this societal burden.
Alcohol harm also significantly affects the labour market, resulting in unemployment, under-employment, and decreased workplace productivity. A reduction in alcohol harm would not only improve public health but also lead to a substantial economic boost.
Find more from Alcohol Change UK (UK, July 2023)
Alcohol Awareness 