Have A Drinking Check On Us

In 2022, there were 10,048 deaths from alcohol-specific causes registered in the UK, the highest number on record –  4.2% higher than in 2021 and 32.8% higher than in 2019 the last pandemic year.

Between 2012 and 2019, rates of alcohol-specific deaths in the UK had remained stable, with no statistically significant changes in the age-standardised rate. Consistent with previous years, the rate of alcohol-specific deaths for males in 2022 remained around double the rate for females.  Scotland and Northern Ireland had the highest rates of alcohol-specific deaths in 2022.

Comparing with 2019, there have been statistically significant increases in the alcohol-specific death rate in England, Wales, and Scotland.

Haway

The North-East had the highest rate of alcohol-specific deaths of any English region in 2022 while the East of England had the lowest rate. If you or any of your friends or employees are struggling with alcohol, the Alcohol Change UK website could help. There are other sources of support, such as those listed on the NHS alcohol support web page.

Who is on the list?

Alcohol-specific deaths only include those health conditions where each death is a direct consequence of alcohol (that is, wholly attributable causes such as alcoholic liver disease). It does not include all deaths that can be attributed to alcohol such as being knocked down by a car whilst drunk.

How many adults are dependent on alcohol in the UK? In 2023, 6% of adults were drinking at high risk or possible dependent levels whle 3% of adults were possible dependent drinkers. 8% of men drank at high risk or possible dependent levels compared to 4% of women. 9% of adults aged between 18 and 24 drank at high risk or possible dependent levels compared to 1% of adults aged 76+. Source: Drinkaware Monitor 2023. In 2022/23, there were an estimated 122,030 people in treatment for alcohol. 76,444 men and 45,586 women were in treatment for alcohol dependence. 55% of adults completed treatment for alcohol dependence successfully. The number of adults in treatment for alcohol increased from 49,958 to 122,030 between 2005/06 and 2022/23. Source: Adult substance misuse treatment statistics 2022 to 2023.

Jay Bothroyd urges everyone to Know Your Score Former EFL footballer Jay Bothroyd is encouraging everyone to better understand their relationship with alcohol by taking the Drinking Check – a free online alcohol quiz designed to help people assess their drinking habits.

Bothroyd admits he’s never been a heavy drinker but recalls enjoying social drinking as a young footballer in the 2000s. Now, he believes his approach to drinking is more measured.  “When I was younger, I used to drink a lot more and we were out Saturday, Sunday, especially after a win,” he says. "But, as I've gotten older, I've learned how to drink and take care of myself at the same time.”    These days, he enjoys a more balanced approach. “I love going out with my wife, having a few glasses of wine with my dinner and now and again, I enjoy having a beer with the boys on a Sunday. But everything is in moderation.”  

Why he took the Drinking Check   

Although Bothroyd believes he has a good relationship with alcohol, he admits that he has never taken the time to check how much he actually drinks. That’s why he’s decided to take the Drinking Check to find out if his drinking is putting his health at risk.  “I was a little bit nervous to take the Drinking Check but I wanted to see whether I'm at risk or good. Either way, I understand if I need to improve my lifestyle.

“My score was a four, which means I was lower risk. I didn't expect to be high risk because I don't binge drink, so that's a weight off my shoulders. But it’s good to know I’m on the right track. Overall, I'm happy with my results.”         

Why it’s important to Know Your Score

Bothroyd is eager to encourage others to take the Drinking Check and discover their score. “Everyone needs to see where they're at,” he says. “It helps people understand whether their drinking is at high risk or not. There's no bad result – it gives you the information you need to make adjustments if necessary.”     

Take the free online Drinking Check to receive personalised results and guidance and discover more about your drinking.

www.drinkaware.co.uk/tools/drinking-check/#/overview

 

Picture: Jay Bothroyd.

Article written by Cathryn Ellis
12th January 2025

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