Secret drinking: One in four people report increased alcohol consumption when working from home, according to new national survey data

• Survey of 2,000 UK adults reveals more than 1 in 4 (27%) who work from home report an increase in alcohol consumption by themselves or someone close to them 
• Home working is leading to secret drinking, say experts, as new data shows ‘startling’ reality
• City hotspots: people in London, Manchester and Sheffield are most likely to be affected, with almost 1 in 3 respondents reporting increased alcohol consumption in themselves or someone close to them
• UK experiencing increase in addiction levels and alcohol-related deaths are at a record high 

Working from home is fuelling a rise in “secret” drinking, with more than a quarter of people (27%) in the UK admitting that alcohol consumption – either their own or someone close to them – has increased since they began remote working.  

The new data (1), which comes from a survey commissioned by mental health and addiction provider Priory, has been released as the country embarks on ‘Dry January’ – with experts calling for remote workers to use it as an opportunity to reset and reduce their alcohol intake permanently. 

Meanwhile, more than 1 in 6 (18%) suspect that a loved one has increased their alcohol consumption since they began working from home regularly – but they have not discussed it. Higher earners and those living in cities are most likely to be affected.  

Dr Niall Campbell, a Priory consultant psychiatrist and one of the UK’s leading addiction treatment experts, said: “The result of changing working patterns has been startling. Addiction levels spiked significantly around five years ago and have never subsided. This comes at a time when alcohol-related deaths are at the highest levels on record. 

“I see more and more people whose lives are severely affected by this and it goes unnoticed. People wouldn’t be able to do this in the office, but at home people can drink as much as they like and surprisingly continue to function.”

Requests for alcohol addiction treatment at Priory services across the UK have increased by 39% since 2020.

The latest NHS figures show that more adults are now in contact with drug and alcohol treatment services than at any time in over a decade. In 2023/24, 310,863 people in England were receiving support – the highest number recorded since 2009 (2).

Recent analysis from Alcohol Health Alliance UK indicates that deaths from alcohol are at a record high in England (3).

Individuals in city hotspots – specifically London, Manchester and Sheffield – are most likely to say alcohol consumption in their household has gone up, with almost 1 in 3 respondents in these regions saying they had seen an increase in themselves or someone close to them.

Higher earners who work from home are significantly more likely to report increased alcohol consumption. Of those earning more than £100,000 a year, 43% of higher earners working from home noted an increase in alcohol consumption, compared to 22% of households earning under £50,000.

Priory experts have cited blurred boundaries and less structure, with no clear beginning and end to the working day as key factors behind increasing levels.

Debbie Longsdale, one of the UK’s leading addictions therapists and Private Clinical Pathways Director at Priory, said: “This pattern of working in silo means it’s all too easy to have a couple of drinks earlier in the day, in secret, and no one need ever know about it. Sadly, this is a common story among people we support.

“Colleagues in our therapy services team have also reported that ‘working from home’ can be a significant enabler or deteriorating factor for patients on addiction treatment programmes, with some disclosing they have actively pursued fully remote positions in order to further facilitate their drinking.

“As we look to the new year, we’d encourage everyone to think carefully about any changes in drinking habits over time and resolve to break unhealthy habits before they become an addiction.”

Priory addiction experts cited social isolation as a key driver behind addictive behaviours.

Priory psychotherapist and addiction specialist Celia Harris added: “It’s no surprise really that people are increasingly drinking or using drugs addictively when spending large periods of time alone. The triggers for these types of addiction can often be traced back to loneliness and boredom which in turn creates a sense of hopelessness triggered by isolation. The opposite of addiction is human connection - people need a sense of belonging.”

The survey, conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Priory, canvassed 2,000 UK adults on their drinking habits. Of those, 1,228 people said they worked remotely.

Across all respondents, the survey also found that: 

• 26% worry about a loved one’s drinking 
• 17% have sought support for their own addiction in the last three years 
• 24% have tried to help a loved one access support for addiction 

Priory is the largest provider of mental health, addiction and working-age adult social care services in the UK caring for more than 26,000 people a year across 270 sites. Priory offers a range of addiction services including inpatient and outpatient programmes tailored to each person’s needs.

If you're concerned about your own drinking or drug use – or someone else's – visit www.priorygroup.com/breakthechain