There has been a notable increase in the consumption of low- and alcohol-free beverages among “risky drinkers” in England, Wales, and Scotland over the past five years, according to a study published in BMJ Public Health.
The percentage of individuals using these drinks to actively reduce their alcohol consumption rose from 35% in 2020 to 44% in 2024, with a general increase in those using them in any capacity to cut down from 26% to 39%.
The trends were particularly evident among individuals over the age of 65, while women and those with higher socioeconomic status were more likely to consume these beverages compared to men and those in lower economic brackets, the study revealed.
The researchers noted a significant growth in the sales and availability of low- and alcohol-free drinks in the UK since 2020, with the government promoting their use as a harm reduction strategy to replace standard alcoholic beverages. However, it remains unclear to what extent the increased availability of these drinks has influenced reduction efforts, especially among heavier drinkers.
To investigate further, the researchers analyzed data collected in Great Britain between October 2020 and August 2024 as part of the Smoking and Alcohol Toolkit Study, which gathers monthly data on adults’ demographics, smoking habits, and drinking behaviors.
The study focused on individuals who were drinking at increasing and high-risk levels, defined as having an Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C) score of 5 or higher, and who had attempted to reduce their alcohol consumption in the previous year.
Participants were asked about their use of low- and/or alcohol-free drinks, as well as other evidence-based support options they had utilized to cut down on their alcohol intake.
The final analysis included 9,397 participants with an average age of 46.
