Despite living in a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence, just 6% of UK adults would first turn to an AI platform such as ChatGPT if they had questions or concerns about their drinking, according to new polling by Alcohol Change UK.
Instead, people are far more likely to seek support from another person. More than four in 10 (41%) said they would turn first to either a healthcare professional (24%) or someone close to them, such as a friend, family member or partner (17%).
People were also more than twice as likely to say they would use a search engine (13%) than an AI platform (6%), while one in ten (10%) said they would not turn anywhere if they had concerns about their drinking.
The findings mark the start of Alcohol Awareness Week (6-12 July), an annual campaign run by Alcohol Change UK. This year's theme, ‘Alcohol and me’, invites everyone to consider the role alcohol plays in their life and how this might be impacting their health and wellbeing, relationships and more. Throughout the week, the charity will share information, advice, tips and inspirational stories of others to support meaningful reflection.
Millions of people in the UK drink at levels that can harm their health and wellbeing. Yet because alcohol is so normalised - particularly during summer, holidays and major sporting events - it can be easy to overlook the impact it is having. From poor sleep and increased anxiety to lower energy and reduced concentration, alcohol can affect us in ways we don't always recognise. Over time it also increases the risk of liver disease, stroke, high blood pressure and several cancers.
Alcohol Change UK is encouraging people to spend a few minutes using its free and confidential Check Your Drinking tool, which helps individuals to better understand their drinking habits, potential risk level and what steps, if any, they may wish to take next.
Dr Richard Piper, CEO of Alcohol Change UK, said: "It's encouraging that many of us would feel comfortable turning to a healthcare professional, friend or family member about our drinking habits. Yet, what is striking is that one in 10 wouldn't turn anywhere at all, even if they had questions or concerns about alcohol. We’re determined to change that. Millions of us find our alcohol consumption creeping up over time, but often we don’t pause to think about the impacts it’s having on our health and quality of life and the changes we could make.
"That's what Alcohol Awareness Week is all about - taking a few minutes to check in with ourselves and better understand our relationship with alcohol, just like we do with other routine health checks, like getting our eyes tested. It's clear that people seek information and advice in lots of different ways, but what's important is that they have access to accurate, evidence-based information and inspirational stories that they can identify with.
“Our free, confidential and non-judgemental Check Your Drinking quiz offers that evidence-based insight. It’s a simple way to understand, in less than five minutes, your alcohol habits, learn more about the potential impacts and decide whether you’d like to make any changes with some options on possible next steps. Why not give it a go this week and see what you learn? You might come away comfortable with where you’re at, or it may prompt some changes."
London-based Sam, 32, has been alcohol-free for more than a year. He said:
“What started as happiness and excitement with alcohol all too often led to me overdoing it, making a complete helmet of myself and being riddled with anxiety. Most of the time, I looked half presentable and wasn’t visibly struggling, while holding down a job and paying my rent. It’s tricky when you're in a grey area with alcohol. I clung to the good times - festivals, pubs and holidays - and the fact I could sometimes have a few beers and call it a day. Having these odd, good experiences and a stable-ish life made it easy to ignore other warning signs.
“One day, I started looking for information online. It was clear my boozing was affecting my relationships, work life and physical and mental health. I’d also had difficulty stopping or reducing the amount I drank, almost always felt guilt and some consequences in my personal or working life.
“We all have such different criteria in our mind around what’s too far, and society still sees alcohol in a very black and white way, like you either have a serious problem or you’re fine. But, for me when the bad started to outweigh the good, it was time to make a change. Exploring things myself online and speaking with others helped me come to some realisations. There is a very happy life to be had when booze plays less or no role at all and deciding to make a change has been transformative for me in so many ways.”
It is easy to take part in Alcohol Awareness Week:
- Take the Check Your Drinking quiz - it’s quick, free, non-judgemental - and could help you understand more than you expect
- Take time to pass it on and share with someone else
- Check out our top tips for drinking less and feeling better
- Raise vital funds in support of our work to end alcohol harm
For more information about Alcohol Awareness Week, visit our Alcohol Awareness Week page or search the hashtag #AlcoholAwarenessWeek.
