Alcohol plays a complex and often harmful role in public health across the UK. In Bristol, the statistics are particularly concerning. Recent findings from the JSNA Health and Wellbeing Profile 2024/25 reveal that alcohol consumption and its resulting health complications continue to exert a heavy toll on individuals, families, and communities in the city. From hospital admissions to long-term health risks, the effects of alcohol consumption are more pronounced in Bristol than the national average, especially among the most deprived areas.
Effects of Alcohol Consumption in Bristol
Bristol consistently ranks as one of the highest consumers of alcohol in the UK. According to the JSNA, 13.4% of adults in the city drink alcohol four or more times per week. Consumption is especially high among adults aged 65 and over, with 21.9% drinking frequently, compared to just 5.5% of 16 to 24-year-olds. The disparity does not stop there. Residents in the least deprived areas of Bristol drink at more than double the rate of those in the most deprived, with 19.9% drinking four or more times weekly versus 8.0% in poorer areas.
This data highlights the impact of lifestyle, age, and socioeconomic factors on alcohol misuse in the city. For those affected, our structured 12-week rehab programme offers accessible, evidence-based therapy designed to support lasting recovery.
The Effects of Alcohol Consumption
Short-Term Effects from Drinking Alcohol
The immediate effects of alcohol may seem mild: euphoria, relaxation, and reduced inhibitions. However, these are often accompanied by negative outcomes such as impaired judgement, nausea, dizziness, and dehydration. One of the more serious binge drinking effects includes alcohol poisoning, which can be life-threatening. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, excessive drinking can suppress breathing, cause unconsciousness, and even lead to death.
The dangers of alcohol in the short term are often underestimated, especially when drinking becomes habitual during social activities or stress relief.
Long-Term Effects from Drinking Alcohol
The long-term effects of drinking alcohol can be devastating. Regular heavy drinking is associated with a wide range of chronic diseases, including liver cirrhosis, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and various cancers such as liver and breast cancer.
Multiple studies confirm that alcohol significantly impacts blood pressure, with long-term use contributing to increases in both systolic and diastolic readings. This elevation in blood pressure raises the risk of developing hypertension and cardiovascular disease. According to Harvard’s School of Public Health, alcohol affects not only heart health but also hormone levels and immune function, further compounding its long-term health risks.
Negative Effects Alcohol Has on the Body
Alcohol affects nearly every organ system in the body, leading to a wide range of negative health effects. In the liver, it can cause fatty liver, hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. The heart is also at risk, with alcohol increasing the chances of heart attacks and contributing to irregular heartbeat. In the brain, alcohol use can lead to memory problems, mood swings, and cognitive impairment. Additionally, it weakens the immune system, reducing the body’s ability to fight off disease and infection.
It also has significant mental health implications. The Mental Health Foundation notes a strong link between alcohol misuse and anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. These are the dangers of drinking alcohol that often go unnoticed until physical symptoms become severe.
Alcohol-Related Illnesses in Bristol
Hospital Admissions
Bristol recorded 2,727 hospital admissions due to alcohol-related harm in 2022/23. This equates to a rate of 675 per 100,000, significantly higher than the national average of 475. This includes both direct alcohol-related conditions and injuries linked to excessive drinking.
The inequality gap is stark. People living in the most deprived areas are more than twice as likely to be hospitalised due to alcohol-specific conditions compared to those in wealthier neighbourhoods. Gender also plays a role. 879.2 per 100,000 men were admitted, compared to 484.3 per 100,000 women, with both figures exceeding national averages.
Mortality Rates
In 2022, 59 alcohol-specific deaths occurred in Bristol, a rate of 16.1 per 100,000, slightly above the national average. Men were disproportionately affected, accounting for 68% of these deaths, reflecting broader patterns of hazardous drinking and barriers to seeking care.
Preventative Measures and Strategies
Public Health Guidelines
The UK Chief Medical Officers recommend limiting intake to no more than 14 units per week, spread across three or more days. The guidance also encourages incorporating several drink-free days each week to protect your liver and overall health. You can view the official guidelines via GOV.UK.
Bristol Drug and Alcohol Strategy
The Bristol Drug and Alcohol Strategy outlines the city’s commitment to reducing harm from alcohol and drugs by 2025. It focuses on prevention, community awareness, and improved access to treatment across all groups, regardless of background or socioeconomic status.
Treatment Success Rates for Alcohol Addiction
In 2022, 534 people in Bristol engaged in structured alcohol treatment. Of these, 38.8% successfully completed treatment without re-presenting within six months. This is in line with the national average and highlights the effectiveness of dedicated services.
Support Available in Bristol
Bristol’s high rates of alcohol-related illness, hospitalisation, and mortality highlight the urgent need for education, early intervention, and accessible treatment. Understanding the effects of alcohol consumption, whether short or long term, is the first step in tackling the issue.
We offer highly tailored outpatient care for alcohol misuse, with structured alcohol rehab programmes in Bristol that are discreet, flexible, and centred around each patient’s needs. Our approach is ideal for individuals seeking support without major disruption to their daily lives. If you or someone you care about is ready to take the next step, reach out to our team. With compassion, discretion, and clinical expertise, Infinity Addiction Solutions is here to help you reclaim your health and build a brighter future.
