UK Google Searches for ‘Sober October’ up 111% in the past week
Priory addiction therapist shares alcohol addiction warning signs for those anxious about giving it up
“If the thought of a month without drinking fills you with dread, it's worth asking why”
With millions of Brits set to take part in Sober October, one of the UK’s leading addiction experts is urging people to look not only at how much they drink, but how they feel about the prospect of stopping.
Priory addiction therapist Kanny Sanchez says the idea of going 31 days without a drink can bring more anxiety than excitement for some, and warns that this is a warning sign worth paying attention to.
Sanchez, Lead Therapist within Priory's pioneering Flourish addiction treatment programme, says: "Sober October is a great opportunity to take stock of your relationship with alcohol. If the thought of a month without drinking fills you with dread, or you've already started making exceptions before it's even begun, it's worth asking yourself why."
There is no safe drinking level, and drinking more than the recommended maximum 14 units a week increases a wide range of serious health risks, including mouth cancer, throat cancer and breast cancer, stroke, heart disease, liver disease, brain damage and poor mental health.
The number of people seeking alcohol addiction treatment at Priory has increased by 39% since 2020, while alcohol related deaths are up 21.3% in England since 2016, a record high.
Millions of Brits are expected to attempt abstinence during October 2026. A nationally representative survey of 2,000 UK adults, commissioned by ANON Drinks in October 2025, found that 46% had substituted an alcoholic drink for a non-alcoholic alternative during Sober October. Applied to the UK’s projected 2026 adult population of around 55.2 million, it suggests a figure of approximately 25 million adults may participate this year.
For those experiencing anxiety about stopping, and to help people identify harmful habits early, Sanchez has shared five potential warning signs that you’re developing a problematic relationship with alcohol:
1. Loved ones have raised concerns
"If friends, family or a partner have commented on how much you drink, take it seriously,” says Sanchez. “The people closest to us often notice changes before we do."
2. You drink to cope with your emotions
"Many people reach for a drink after a stressful day or when they're feeling low,” says Sanchez. “The problem is that alcohol is a depressant, so once the initial effect wears off, your mood can end up worse than before. If drinking has become your main way of managing difficult feelings, that's a warning sign."
3. You've become secretive about it
"Secrecy is one of the clearest indicators. That might mean playing down how much you've had, or physically hiding bottles and cans from the people you live with. If you feel the need to conceal it, part of you probably already knows," Sanchez explains.
4. It's affecting your work or relationships
"Turning up late to work, arguing with your partner, or letting people down are signs worth paying attention to,” warns Sanchez. “If drinking is causing problems in your daily life and you're continuing anyway, that's a pattern to address."
5. You regularly drink heavily on your own
"A glass of wine alone at the end of the day isn't a problem in itself,” advises Sanchez. “It becomes a concern when solo drinking is frequent and heavy, rather than something that happens occasionally in a social setting."
Having a clear understanding of the benefits of cutting out alcohol this October will help you take positive action, according to Sanchez. He says: "From experience, the people I have supported have found it really powerful to know their ‘why’; whether that's better sleep, saving money, or simply proving to yourself you can. Try simply writing this down. Having a written note to come back to can help motivate you to keep going when you hit a dip or stumbling block later in the month.”
For those who feel they need further support or are struggling with addiction, Sanchez emphasises that recognising you have a problem is a vital first step:
"Recognising that your drinking might be a problem is a big step, and you should be proud of taking it. Talking to someone you trust is a good start, such as a friend or family member. For those seeking professional support, visit your GP, or contact a specialist addiction charity or treatment service.”
Sanchez is based at Priory Life Works House in Surrey, part of Priory’s pioneering Flourish service.
Priory Flourish is a therapy-led residential addiction recovery programme providing intensive psychological treatment and structured support in a non-hospital environment for people who need more than outpatient care but do not require ongoing hospital-level treatment.
For more information, visit www.priorygroup.com/addiction-treatment/services/flourish.