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Alcohol misuse: tackling the UK epidemic

February 2008

Alcohol consumption represents an integral part of modern culture in the UK and internationally. The production of alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine and spirits occurs on a vast scale as part of a multi-billion pound global industry.

Alcohol is a psychoactive substance and its consumption in moderation can lead to feelings of relaxation and euphoria, causing it to be consumed widely in many social scenarios and across the socio-economic spectrum. Alcohol is also an addictive drug, however, and its misuse is associated with a wide range of dose-related adverse consequences that can lead to significant harm to the individual and society.

Recent years have seen increasing interest in the levels of alcohol misuse in the UK, and in particular the pattern of binge drinking and heavy drinking. Alcohol consumption is causally associated with a wide range of medical conditions and is a significant cause of morbidity and premature death worldwide. It contributes to a range of acute and chronic health consequences, from alcohol poisoning and injuries resulting from traffic crashes to cancer and cardiovascular disease. The more an individual consumes, the greater the risk of harm.

Alcohol misuse is associated with crime, violence and anti-social behaviour, and can impact significantly on family and community life. The cost of alcohol misuse in the UK is substantial, both in terms of direct costs (eg costs to hospital services and the criminal justice service) and indirect costs (eg loss of productivity and the impact on family and social networks).

The control of alcohol at a national and international level is therefore essential. This requires the implementation of strategies that are effective at reducing overall alcohol consumption levels in a population, as well as targeted interventions aimed at specific populations such as young people or individuals who are dependant on alcohol. Tackling alcohol misuse also requires greater personal responsibility from individuals who consume alcohol in a manner that is harmful to themselves and those around them.

This report considers the problematic levels of alcohol misuse in the UK and is not aimed at those who enjoy consuming alcohol in moderation. It examines the patterns and trends of alcohol consumption and goes on to review the range of adverse effects both on the individual and society that are associated with its misuse.

The report concludes by considering the evidence for effective alcohol control policies and discusses the current approaches in the UK. The recommendations are for action by the UK Government and are evidence-based policies that need to be adopted in order to tackle alcohol misuse and its associated harms.