We know that the nation’s drinking habits have changed in recent years, but new Bupa UK Insurance research has uncovered the factors behind this step-change – and it lies in what we’ve been Googling.
Between 2021 and now, UK online Google searches have seen significant growth for the following alcohol-related terms:
- ‘Hangxiety’ searches are now eight times higher
- ‘Can drinking cause hair loss?’ searches have quadrupled
- ‘Can alcohol make you break out?’ searches have doubled
- ‘Can’t sleep after alcohol’ searches have doubled
- ‘Stomach hurts from drinking alcohol’ searches have doubled
With more of us aware of the link between alcohol and how we’re feeling, it’s no surprise to see stats that 90% of drinkers are looking to moderate their intake in some way. However – despite its declining significance in recent years – university is still an environment intrinsically linked to drink, with reports showing around 80 per cent of student citing its importance in uni culture. And three out of five 18-34-year-olds still think there’s widespread pressure to drink.
So what do you say if you don’t drink? And how can you share you want to change your habits, if last year had too many hangovers for your liking? Dr Naveen Puri, Medical Director for Bupa UK Insurance, shares six tips to get you started.
Dr Naveen Puri’s six conversation starters to tell others you’re not drinking
- I’ve decided that I don’t want to drink anymore, because…
- I’ve been drinking less for my health and feel so much better for it
- I prefer not to drink. I’ve found that I can still have fun without it, and I love waking up the next morning feeling energised.
- I’m on a health kick at the moment so I’m avoiding alcohol. Would you like to go to the cinema/for a walk/exercise class with me, instead?
- I’ve been worried that I’m drinking a bit too much so I’m cutting it out to see how it makes me feel.
- What would you say to trying an alcohol-free party?
“Be consistent in what you want to say, and try to ignore any judging remarks from friends or family members. Remind yourself of the reasons you don’t drink, or want to cut down. It might help ease your mind to let people know in advance. For example, if you’re going to an event together. You could even let a few trusted friends know first, who can help to back you when challenged.
You might find it comforting to know that you’re not the only person challenging their own drinking habits. In the last four years, Google searches for ‘non-alcoholic parties’ have increased fivefold.” – Dr Naveen Puri