New research has raised the alarm over a significant increase in hidden drinking habits, directly fuelled by the widespread shift to working from home across the UK.
The Remote Work Factor in Rising Alcohol Use
A study conducted by the private mental health and addiction service provider, The Priory, indicates that the flexibility of remote work has enabled more than a quarter of people to drink more alcohol. The analysis suggests that with less expectation for in-person presence, employees are managing their schedules – and, concerningly, their drinking – around work calls and virtual meetings.
One in six people now suspect that someone close to them has increased their alcohol intake since they began working from home, a trend accelerated by the pandemic. The issue appears most pronounced in major urban centres with higher average incomes. In London, one in three surveyed individuals admitted to drinking more.
High Earners and the Strain on Services
The link between income and increased consumption is stark. Among those earning over £100,000 a year who work from home, 43 per cent confessed to drinking more than when they commuted to an office. Debbie Longsdale, a psychotherapist and director of therapy services at The Priory, highlighted the risk, stating the newfound freedom can revolve around drinking habits.
This trend persists despite broader data showing Britons are drinking less alcohol overall due to inflation, health concerns, and an ageing population. However, alcohol abuse continues to place an unprecedented strain on health services. Latest NHS figures reveal that more adults are now receiving support from drug and alcohol treatment services than at any time in over a decade.
In the 2023/24 period alone, more than 30,000 adults in England were in treatment, the highest number recorded since 2009. The Priory itself has seen requests for alcohol treatment services jump by nearly a third since the 2020 lockdowns.
Sustainable Habits vs. Short-Term Challenges
The warning emerges as millions in the UK undertake Dry January. However, experts caution that a single month of abstinence can lead to a 'binge or bust' approach rather than fostering lasting, moderate habits. Julian Braithwaite, CEO of the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking, advocates for sustainable moderation over temporary abstinence.
NHS guidelines recommend consuming no more than 14 units of alcohol per week, spread over at least three days. Yet, up to one in four adults in England report exceeding this limit. The health service advises anyone concerned about their drinking to consult their GP for assessment and potential referral to specialist support.
