New Research Highlights Growing Economic Burden of Alcohol-Related Harm
Alcohol abuse is costing England an estimated £27 billion annually, according to a recent study by the Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS). This significant financial burden on the country’s NHS, social services, and criminal justice system has risen by 37% since 2003.
The research outlines that alcohol-related harm to the health service costs £4.9 billion each year, with more than £3 billion attributed to hospital and A&E admissions. Additionally, the criminal justice system bears a £14.6 billion cost, including over £4 billion related to alcohol-fuelled crimes.
The study also highlights the social and economic costs, with an estimated £1 billion lost due to alcohol-related unemployment and almost £4 billion in lost productivity. The average cost of alcohol harm per person in England is £485 annually, rising to £562 for residents in the north-east, the region most affected.
Dr Katherine Severi, IAS chief executive, emphasised the need for urgent government action. She called for a comprehensive alcohol strategy to reduce harm and alleviate the financial burden on public services.
In response, the Department for Health and Social Care pointed to its efforts to address alcohol-related harm, such as the introduction of alcohol duty reforms and the funding of specialist alcohol care teams in high-risk areas. The government’s 10-year drug strategy, backed by £532 million, aims to support more people with alcohol and drug issues.
Previous studies have also warned that drinking patterns developed during the COVID-19 pandemic could lead to a surge in hospital admissions and alcohol-related deaths over the next two decades.
