Alcohol Profile

Introduction

From to the Global Burden of Disease, among 15 to 49 year olds in England alcohol misuse is the 2nd biggest risk factor for death and years lived with disability, and the biggest risk factor for disability-adjusted life years. Alcohol is a causal factor in more than 60 medical conditions, including:

  • mouth
  • throat
  • stomach
  • liver and breast cancers
  • high blood pressure
  • cirrhosis of the liver
  • depression

The indicators in this profile were selected following consultation with stakeholders and a review of the availability of routine data. The alcohol profile is part of a series of products by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) that provide local data alongside national comparisons to support local health improvement.

Alcohol use has health and social consequences borne by individuals, their families, and the wider community. The aim of the alcohol profile is to monitor the services and initiatives that have been put in place to prevent and reduce the harmful impact of alcohol by providing information for:

  • local government
  • health organisations
  • commissioners
  • other agencies

The tool allows you to compare your local authority against other local authorities in the region and benchmark your local authority against the England or regional average.

In addition to the standard indicators, the alcohol profile contains data for hospital admissions broken down by age and cause. To see these data, along with additional data, reports, method documents and supporting documents that may be of use, go to the resources section.

What’s new in the tool in February 2025?

The profile has changed its name from the Local Alcohol Profiles for England (LAPE) to the Alcohol Profile. LAPE was a legacy name and this change brings the profile into line with other Fingertips profiles and will improve clarity for users.

February 2025 includes new data for: admission episodes for alcohol-related conditions (narrow); admission episodes for alcohol-related conditions (broad); admission episodes for alcohol-specific conditions; admission episodes for alcohol-related conditions (narrow) - under 40s; admission episodes for alcohol-related conditions (narrow) - 40 to 64 years; admission episodes for alcohol-related conditions (narrow) - 65+ years; admission episodes for alcohol-specific conditions - under 18s; admission episodes for alcohol-related unintentional injuries (narrow); admission episodes for mental and behavioural disorders due to use of alcohol (narrow); admission episodes for intentional self-poisoning by and exposure to alcohol (narrow); admission episodes for alcohol-related cardiovascular disease (broad); admission episodes for mental and behavioural disorders due to use of alcohol (broad); admission episodes for alcoholic liver disease (broad); alcohol-related mortality; potential years of life lost (PYLL) due to alcohol-related conditions; potential working years of life lost (PWYLL) due to alcohol-related conditions.

February 2025 includes the following new indicators, available at England level and regional level where available: percentage of adults who abstain from drinking alcohol; low risk drinking (up to 14 units for men and women); higher risk drinking (above 50 units a week for men, above 35 units for women); possible alcohol dependence according to AUDIT; drank alcohol in the last week, 15 year olds.