Northern Irish adults drink less often than wider UK, but consume more alcohol when they do, new Drinkaware research finds
New research from UK alcohol charity Drinkaware has found that people in Northern Ireland are drinking alcohol less frequently than across the UK but are more likely to consume seven units or more when they do drink.
The findings come from the charity’s 2026 Drinkaware Monitor, an annual comprehensive survey of the UK’s drinking habits and behaviours. It shows that adults in Northern Ireland are less likely than those across the UK to drink alcohol four or more times a week (8% compared with 15%) and more likely to drink just once a month or less (34% compared with 27%).
These differences were not evident in 2025, suggesting that adults in Northern Ireland may be increasingly drinking less often relative to the wider UK.
When they do drink, however, drinkers in Northern Ireland are more likely to consume larger amounts of alcohol on a typical occasion. Almost one in four (23%) typically consume seven or more units, compared with 17% across the UK.
Drinkers in Northern Ireland are no more likely than those across the UK to report binge drinking during the past year (65%) or to binge drink at least once a week (15%).
While nine in ten (91%) drinkers in Northern Ireland say they use at least one technique to moderate their alcohol consumption, certain occasions and situational factors can make moderation harder to maintain. In line with the rest of the UK, drinkers in Northern Ireland say they tend to drink more than usual when on an evening or night out with friends (56%), while on holiday (56%), when out for a meal (25%), when they have no plans or responsibilities the following day (22%) or when the weather is particularly nice (19%).
Robbie Butler MLA, Minister for Health, said:
“While it is somewhat encouraging that the research shows that people in Northern Ireland drink less frequently than other UK Nations, it is concerning that people in Northern Ireland are more likely to consume larger amounts when they do drink.
“Drinking above the safe limits can have a negative impact on people’s physical and mental health. Excess alcohol can contribute to a range of health issues, including cancers, heart problems and weight gain. Alcohol misuse also costs Northern Ireland up to £900 million every year, with over 7,000 alcohol-related hospital admissions and is a major cause of health inequalities.
“I encourage people to be mindful of their alcohol intake and to drink in moderation. For anyone who may be struggling with alcohol-related issues, support services are available through drugs and alcohol NI.”
Órlaithí Flynn, MLA for West Belfast, said:
"These findings present a mixed picture. While the indication that people in the North are drinking less frequently is welcome, the higher levels of alcohol consumed on individual occasions remain a concern. Reducing alcohol-related harm requires us to look beyond how often people drink and consider how much is being consumed when they do. Prevention and harm reduction must remain central to our approach, alongside supporting people to make informed choices and moderate their alcohol consumption.
“Encouraging healthier drinking habits is an important part of improving population health and wellbeing and reducing the wider impact that alcohol-related harm can have on individuals, families and communities."
The regional findings come as the 2026 Drinkaware Monitor paints a nuanced picture of drinking behaviours across the UK. A record 91% of UK drinkers – equivalent to more than 42 million people – now say they take steps to moderate their alcohol consumption, up from 87% in 2025.
However, at the same time in the UK, weekly binge drinking has risen from 11% to 13% of drinkers, equating to around 6.3 million people. The proportion of UK drinkers who typically consume seven or more units when they drink has also increased from 14% to 17%, while the proportion staying within the UK Chief Medical Officers’ low risk drinking guidelines has fallen from 82% to 78%.
Around two thirds of respondents completed the survey within a week of the May Bank Holiday. Those surveyed immediately afterwards were more likely to report exceeding the Chief Medical Officers’ low risk drinking guidelines. Taken together with the wider findings from the 2026 Drinkaware Monitor, the results suggest that while many drinkers are taking steps to moderate, as seen in Northern Ireland, occasions such as holidays, celebrations, warm weather and sporting events can make it harder for people to maintain those efforts.
Drinkaware is encouraging people across Northern Ireland to think ahead about the situations that may influence their drinking and consider how they can build moderation into those moments, whether through tracking their consumption, choosing low and no alcohol alternatives or making use of tools such as Drinkaware's Drinking Check and MyDrinkaware app.
Karen Tyrell, CEO of Drinkaware, said:
“For several years, many of the trends in the nation’s drinking habits have been moving in a positive direction, giving us real cause for optimism. This year’s Monitor, however, could be an early indication that some hard-won gains may be eroding. While it will be important to see whether this pattern continues in future and marks the start of a longer-term trend, these findings are a timely reminder that recent progress cannot be taken for granted.
Prevention has never been more important, and we must remain focused on supporting people to find their balance with alcohol and reduce risky drinking behaviours. With the bank holiday around the corner, sunshine and extra free time are valuable opportunities to socialise and connect with friends and family, but they can also make it easier to drink more than usual. For anyone looking to better understand their drinking or make positive changes, Drinkaware’s free Drinking Check and practical online resources can provide personalised advice and simple ways to build moderation into everyday life and special occasions.”