Research and analysis

Alcohol dependence prevalence in England

Estimates of the number of alcohol dependent adults in each local authority in England.

Applies to England

Documents

Details

The data tables contain estimates of the number and rates of adults (aged 18 years and over) who are dependent on alcohol in England. The latest data covers 2019 to 2020 and is broken down by:

  • region
  • age group
  • sex

We also include:

  • previously published estimates back to 2015 to 2016
  • a document summarising the main points from the latest estimates

The summary report contains:

  • headline figures for alcohol dependence prevalence at national level from 2015 to 2016 up to 2019 to 2020
  • alcohol dependence rates at regional level for 2019 to 2020

The estimates are based on the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2014. You can find analysis and information on the methodology of these estimates in the prevalence, trends and amenability to treatment report published by the University of Sheffield.

Health commissioners can use this information to:

  • estimate the number of alcohol dependent adults in their area and the number who need specialist treatment
  • plan and improve alcohol treatment services
Published 1 March 2017
Last updated 14 March 2024 + show all updates
  1. Updated with alcohol dependence estimates for 2019 to 2020 and added 'Estimates of alcohol dependent adults in England: summary'.

  2. Updated with alcohol dependence estimates for the period 2018 to 2019.

  3. Updated with alcohol dependence estimates for the period 2017 to 2018.

  4. Updated with alcohol dependence estimates for the period 2016 to 2017.

  5. First published.