Almost a quarter of adults in England are now living completely alcohol-free, according to the latest official figures, marking a significant cultural shift away from traditional drinking habits. The data reveals a particularly pronounced move among younger generations and a growing cohort of men who are choosing to abstain entirely.
A Sharp Rise in Abstinence
The Government-backed Health Survey for England has found that 24 per cent of adults reported not consuming a single alcoholic drink in the past twelve months. This represents a notable increase from the 19 per cent recorded in 2022, breaking a long period of relative stability. Since 2011, the proportion of non-drinkers had largely remained between 17 and 20 per cent, making this recent jump particularly striking.
Demographic Divisions in Drinking Habits
While a significant minority embrace teetotalism, the survey also provides a detailed breakdown of those who do drink. Among drinkers, 51 per cent of men and 60 per cent of women consumed alcohol at what is classified as lower-risk levels. However, men were far more likely to engage in hazardous drinking, with 27 per cent consuming at increasing or higher-risk levels, compared to just 15 per cent of women.
Researchers categorised risk based on weekly unit consumption. Lower risk was defined as sticking to 14 units or less per week. The 'increasing or higher risk' category encompassed those exceeding this limit, with 'higher risk' specifically meaning more than 50 units weekly for men and more than 35 units for women. As a practical guide, a pint of average-strength beer contains roughly two to three units, while a standard 175ml glass of wine equates to about two units.
The 'Sober Curious' Movement and Market Growth
This cultural shift coincides with the booming popularity of low- and no-alcohol alternatives. More adults are exploring 'sober curious' lifestyles, opting for alcohol-free beers, wines, and sophisticated non-alcoholic cocktails instead of traditional drinks. By May of last year, 53 per cent of UK adults had consumed a low or no-alcohol beer, wine, cider, spirit, or cocktail within the preceding twelve months.
Market analysis firm Mintel estimated the value of the low and no-alcohol drinks sector at £413 million last year and projected continued growth through to 2030, underscoring the commercial significance of this behavioural change.
Gender and Age Patterns in Abstinence
While women remain slightly more likely to avoid alcohol entirely—26 per cent compared to 22 per cent of men—the most significant change is occurring among males. The proportion of male non-drinkers rose from 17 per cent in 2022 to 22 per cent in 2024, whereas the figure for women remained unchanged over the same period.
Young people are at the forefront of this trend. Among men, a striking 39 per cent of those aged 16 to 24 reported being non-drinkers, a figure that falls dramatically to just 17 per cent for men aged 75 and over. For women, the highest rates of abstinence were also seen in the youngest cohort (31 per cent of 16-24 year-olds) and the oldest (30 per cent of those 75 and over), with the lowest proportion found among women aged 55 to 64.
Persistent Risks and Health Concerns
Despite the growing teetotal movement, the figures highlight that a concerning minority continue to drink at levels associated with significant health risks. Official UK guidelines advise that adults should not regularly exceed 14 units per week—approximately six pints of beer or six medium glasses of wine.
Alarmingly, 5 per cent of men reported consuming more than 50 units weekly, and 3 per cent of women drank over 35 units, both categories classed as higher risk. Older adults appear most vulnerable to hazardous consumption. People aged 65 to 74 were almost twice as likely to drink at risky levels (29 per cent) as those aged 25 to 34 (14 per cent).
Broader Context and Social Factors
In total, an estimated 11.2 million adults in England had not drunk alcohol in the year leading up to the survey. The data also revealed a correlation with deprivation, finding that people in more disadvantaged areas were more likely to be non-drinkers. This pattern is thought to reflect a complex interplay of health issues, financial constraints, cultural norms, and evolving social practices.
The Health Survey for England provided further insights into the nation's wellbeing, reporting that 27 per cent of adults are classed as physically inactive, while 46 per cent live with at least one longstanding illness or health condition. The rise in alcohol abstinence emerges within this broader landscape of public health awareness and changing lifestyle choices.
