Alcohol Needs Assessment

In preparation for drafting a North Northamptonshire Alcohol Needs Assessment, the Public Health team sought feedback on drinking behaviours and patterns from residents. The Alcohol Needs Assessment will support future planning and help design alcohol support services.

There were 153 responses. It is important to acknowledge a potential limitation of this type of survey as respondents may not have reported or been able to calculate an accurate reflection of their overall alcohol consumption. For instance, some individuals might have underreported how much or how often they drink, which could affect the reliability of the results. Nonetheless, we are sincerely grateful to everyone who took the time to participate and share their responses.

How often people drink alcohol: 22% of respondents stated they never drank alcohol (abstinent), it was also 22% of people who advised they only drank monthly/or less than this, 2-3 times was indicated for 19%, while 17% advised they drank between 2-4 times a month, and 20% stated they consumed alcohol 4+ times a week.

The results shown highlighted 19.5% of people exceeded 14 units per week, and 8.5% of people advised they had previously sought professional help when concerned about their level of drinking.

Where people buy their alcohol: A high proportion of people (57%) advised they purchased their alcohol in-person from a supermarket, 16% from an off-license/corner shop, 12% via an online supermarket, 5% was ‘other’, 4% delivery service/subscription, 2% petrol station and 2% were from a duty-free purchase.

Where people drink alcohol: Where people advised they drank alcohol were as follows; 31% at home, 22% in pubs, 17% in restaurants, 14% at other people’s homes, 10% at events, 3% in bars/nightclub, 2% ‘other’ and 1% stated outside/in a public space.

Alcohol reduction campaigns: Overall 11% of respondents had participated in Dry January, 3% had participated in ‘Going Sober for October’, and 6% had joined ‘other’ campaigns.

Reasons for not drinking alcohol: This survey aimed, in part, to understand the reasons for people not drinking alcohol and asked respondents to rank this from ‘extremely important’ to them to ‘not important at all.’

Ranked highest for ‘extremely important’ 32% of respondents did not want to act like people (they have) seen drunk, 30% stated it was because being drunk made them feel vulnerable and may put them at risk, 17% do not drink for medical reasons, 14% advised they have, or used to have, a problem from drinking alcohol, 9% stated their reason for abstinence was they do not like the smell or taste of alcohol, and 4% chose not to drink due to their religious and/or spiritual beliefs.

At the other end of the spectrum from the results for ‘not important at all’ religious/spiritual beliefs ranked highest as a least important factor at 89%, 64% I have/used to have a drinking problem, 55% I don’t like the smell/taste of alcohol, 53% not drinking for medical reasons, 15% concerns around their vulnerability/safety and risk, and just 10% not wanting to act like people they have seen drunk.

The findings from this survey, alongside data and information gathered for the needs assessment involving wider key stakeholders, will shape and inform our forthcoming recommendations. We are nearing the conclusion of this collaborative work, and we are grateful all stakeholders across North Northamptonshire who have contributed valuable data and insights to support our broader work.