Statistics on alcohol: England 2008

This statistical report presents a range of information on alcohol use and misuse drawn together from a variety of published sources. This report also includes additional analysis undertaken by The NHS Information Centre, which is presented in a user friendly format. This report aims to present a broad picture of health issues relating to alcohol in England. It covers topics such as drinking habits and behaviours among adults and school children, drinking related ill health and mortality, affordability of alcohol and alcohol related costs. Government plans and recommendations in this area are also summarised in this report. Key facts: Drinking among adults: In England in 2006, 72 per cent of men and 57 per cent of women reported drinking an alcoholic drink on at least one day in the week prior to interview. Twelve per cent of men and seven per cent of women reported drinking on every day in the previous week. In Great Britain in 2007, 69 per cent of people reported that they had heard of the government guidelines on alcohol consumption. Of these people, 40 per cent said that they did not know what the recommendations were. Drinking among school children: In England in 2006, among pupils aged 11 to 15: Forty five per cent of pupils said they had never had a proper alcoholic drink (a whole drink and not just a sip), an increase compared to 39 per cent in 2001. Fifteen per cent of pupils thought it was okay to get drunk at least once a week. This figure was 30 per cent for 15 year olds. Drinking-related ill-health and mortality: In England: In 2007, there were 112,267 prescription items for drugs for the treatment of alcohol dependency prescribed in primary care settings; an increase of 20 per cent since 2003 when there was 93,241 prescription items. In 2006/07, there were 57,142 NHS hospital admissions with a primary diagnosis specifically related to alcohol. This number has risen by 52 per cent since 1995/96. Of these admissions, 4,888 (nine per cent) involved patients under 18 years of age. In 2006/07, NHS hospital admissions per 100,000 population varied regionally throughout England. In 2006/07 the North West Strategic Health Authority had the highest rate of 170 admissions with a primary diagnosis specifically related to alcohol per 100,000 population. The East of England Strategic Health Authority showed the lowest rate of 72 admissions per 100,000 population. (Editor' s abstract)