Around 40% of drinkers in the UK have reported that they have been drinking less often in 2023, compared to 33% in 2019, according to the latest research from Drinkaware.

The Drinkaware Monitor 2023, which was carried out by YouGov on behalf of Drinkaware, found that of the 10,473 adults (aged between 18 and 85) surveyed, more drinkers reported a reduction in their drinking frequency this year. While the overall proportion of non-drinkers remained the same as 2022, 9 in 10 respondents said they drink responsibly, with the report also citing a “significant fall” in people drinking at home alone. 

Those who reported struggling financially amid the cost of living crisis were most likely to have changed their drinking habits over the past year, with 1 in 10 drinkers in this category saying that they have been drinking more in 2023 compared to last year. On the flip side, 4 in 10 people who have been struggling financially reported drinking less in 2023.

While the report noted positive trends amongst UK drinkers, it also found that one quarter (26%) of respondents were concerned about someone else’s drinking habits. A further 1 in 10 (11%) drinkers said that a family member, friend or a health professional has expressed concern about their drinking. One in 5 people who are concerned about someone else’s drinking have not said anything or taken any action.

However, Drinkaware researchers suggested that having conversations about alcohol consumption could help to reduce harmful drinking, with 35% of people who had a concern raised about their drinking saying they made changes as a result. Further qualitative research found the impact of these conversations was largely dependent on how open the drinker is to accepting that their consumption habits may be harmful.