Alcohol-related harm continues to escalate in the United Kingdom (UK), with 2023 marking the highest number of alcohol-specific deaths recorded in England, and only 22% of those in need accessing specialist alcohol support. Research shows that dependent drinkers face multiple, persistent barriers to entering recovery and social reintegration.

This report uses data from interviews with professionals working in addiction and alcohol harm reduction to describe and discuss the key obstacles currently faced by people entering and sustaining recovery across the UK and make recommendations for change.

Key barriers identified are:

• Environmental exposure to alcohol due to widespread marketing, 24/7 availability, and the normalisation of drinking.
• Stigma and legal gaps, notably the lack of protection under the Equality Act 2010, which fuels discrimination and marginalisation.
• Underfunded services, which limit access to quality treatment, reduce community support, and exacerbate gaps in mental health and addiction care.
• Structural inequalities, including inadequate housing and limited employment opportunities, which make sustained recovery more challenging.
• The alcohol industry’s influence distorts public health messaging and undermines meaningful policy reform.
• Political inertia, with short-term policymaking stalling progress on long-term solutions.

Key recommendations:

• Restrict the marketing and availability of alcohol in public spaces.
• Update the Equality Act 2010 to protect individuals with alcohol dependence.
• Increase investment in NHS and community services, housing, and reintegration initiatives.
• Introduce and expand minimum unit pricing (MUP) in line with inflation.
• Introduce an alcohol levy with ring-fenced funding for alcohol treatment and support services.
• Develop a new, forward-thinking national alcohol strategy that reflects the complexity of alcohol-related harm and recovery needs.