Alcohol Awareness Week: Is work fuelling unhealthy drinking?

Alcohol Awareness Week 2025 (7-13 July), the annual event organised by Alcohol Change UK, provides an opportunity for people to reflect on their relationship with alcohol, and how it intersects with our daily lives.

The theme for this year’s Alcohol Awareness Week is ‘Alcohol and Work’; inviting individuals, organisations, businesses and community groups to consider how work can impact a person’s relationship with alcohol.

Whether it’s Friday night drinks, networking events, or using alcohol to unwind after a long workday, work patterns and alcohol consumption are often closely linked. This can even include life transitions, where moving in and out of work – whether planned (retirement) or unplanned (unemployment) – can feel monumental and unsettling.

For example, many people find themselves drinking more heavily after redundancy or during high-stress periods, sometimes without realising how quickly habits can escalate.

This year’s campaign encourages us to look more closely at this relationship, urging conversations and action to foster healthier attitudes towards alcohol, and more inclusive work environments.

The impact of alcohol misuse in the UK

Alcohol remains one of the most widely consumed and socially-accepted substances in the UK. However, its misuse can have serious and far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, workplaces, and wider society.

• Alcohol is linked to more than 200 medical conditions, including liver disease, heart disease, and certain cancers.
• There were 10,473 alcohol-specific deaths in the UK in 2023 alone – the highest number on record, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), and 4% higher than in 2022.
• The estimated cost of alcohol harm to the NHS in England alone is around £3.5 billion each year.
• Alcohol misuse can significantly affect workplace productivity, leading to increased absenteeism, presenteeism (working while unwell), and accidents.
• Beyond physical harm, alcohol misuse can contribute to poor mental health, family breakdown, and wider social issues such as crime and antisocial behaviour.

These figures highlight why campaigns like Alcohol Awareness Week are so important. By shining a light on the true impact of alcohol misuse, we can encourage open conversations, challenge harmful drinking cultures, and support those who need help.

Learn more: How long does alcohol stay in your system?

Spotting the signs of alcohol misuse

Whether you’re an individual concerned about your own or a loved one’s alcohol use, or an employer implementing a substance misuse policy, spotting the signs of problematic drinking is crucial.   

Common signs that someone may be misusing alcohol include:

• Frequently drinking more than they intended or struggling to cut down.
• Regularly using alcohol to cope with stress, anxiety, or low mood.
• Changes in behaviour, such as becoming secretive or defensive about drinking.
• Neglecting responsibilities at work or home due to alcohol use.
• Physical signs such as changes in sleep patterns, weight loss, or unexplained injuries.
• Developing a higher tolerance, needing to drink more to feel the same effects.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, shaking, or nausea when not drinking.

It’s important to remember that alcohol dependency can develop gradually and may not always be obvious at first. If you notice any of these signs in yourself or someone else, seeking advice and support at an early stage can make a significant difference.

How alcohol testing can help

Reliable alcohol testing can be a valuable tool in understanding a person’s alcohol use, providing clear evidence of alcohol consumption over different timeframes, while helping to inform decisions and encourage accountability.

These tests can be used voluntarily by anyone who wants to demonstrate abstinence or monitor their progress towards recovery, or by employers to minimise the risk and impact of alcohol misuse in the workplace.

Types of alcohol tests available include:

• Breath alcohol testing: Often used for immediate checks (such as workplace screening) to detect if a person is currently under the influence of alcohol. Measures a person’s breath alcohol concentration.
• Hair alcohol testing: Provides a longer-term picture of alcohol use up to approximately 12 months (depending on the length of hair available), by testing for the presence of alcohol biomarkers in a cut hair sample. Can be used for pre-employment screening for safety critical roles (e.g. driving, operating heavy machinery etc).
• Nail alcohol testing: Provides a detection window up to approximately 6 months for fingernails, and up to approximately 12 months for toenails, by testing for the presence of Ethyl Glucuronide (EtG); a biomarker of alcohol. As with hair testing, this test can be used for pre-employment screening.
• SCRAM Continuous Alcohol Monitoring®: A device worn on the ankle that continuously measures alcohol levels through perspiration, providing real-time monitoring. This can be an effective way to demonstrate sobriety as part of court orders or rehabilitation programmes.

Learn more: How do you prove abstinence from alcohol?

Supporting someone with alcohol issues

If you’re worried about a friend, loved one or colleague, it can feel daunting to raise the issue. However, showing understanding and offering practical support can make all the difference.

Steps you can take:

• Have an open, non-judgemental conversation when the person is sober
• Encourage them to seek help from their GP or specialist support services
• Signpost the person to trusted organisations like Alcohol Change UK, Drinkaware, or the NHS
• Offer ongoing support and patience – recovery can take time
• Take care of yourself, too – supporting someone with alcohol dependency can be emotionally challenging

If you are an employer:

• Have a clear alcohol and substance misuse policy in place, outlining expectations and support available for employees
• Offer access to confidential support services, such as occupational health or employee assistance programmes (EAPs)
• Focus on supporting the employee to seek help rather than taking immediate disciplinary action, unless safety is at risk
• Ensure any alcohol testing is carried out fairly, proportionately, and in line with data protection and employment legislation

Alcohol testing you can trust

Alcohol Awareness Week is an important reminder that alcohol misuse can affect anyone, and that talking openly about its impact is key to reducing harm and supporting positive change.

If you’re worried about your own drinking, or that of a friend, family member, or colleague, help is available. Early intervention can make a real difference. From confidential support services and local charities to reliable alcohol testing, there are many practical ways to take control and seek the right support.

At AlphaBiolabs, we remain committed to providing fast, accurate, and discreet alcohol testing services to help safeguard families, resolve disputes, and ensure safe working conditions.

For more information or to request a quote for an alcohol test, call our friendly, discreet Customer Services team on 0333 600 1300 or email info@alphabiolabs.com.