A study of 2,000 adults found 28% have cut down on their alcohol intake in the last year, with three in 10 wanting to drink less during the summer months
A recent study, which surveyed 2,000 adults, revealed that 28% have reduced their alcohol intake in the past year, with three in 10 expressing a desire to drink less over the summer months.
The reasons for this shift include wanting to save money (42%) and being more ‘in the moment’ (14%). Interestingly, 25% of participants have replaced alcohol with water in an effort to increase their hydration levels.
The research also discovered that 45% plan to ‘double up’ on their water intake this summer, with 28% engaging with sobriety and mindful drinking content on social media platforms.
Some of the strategies employed by adults to decrease their alcohol consumption include choosing a glass of water over alcohol (30%), opting for low or non-alcoholic beverages (25%), and having a glass of water with or after every alcoholic drink.
The study also found that 23% are prioritising hydration this summer in order to make the most of it, with 61% agreeing that you don’t need alcohol to have fun.
This research was commissioned by Harrogate Spring Water, which will be present at Royal Ascot this year, to promote mindful drinking among the public.
Richard Hall, the managing director for the water brand, commented: “Over the past few years, we’ve noticed people taking control of their wellbeing, with upping their hydration being one of the key trends. We know that adults of today are becoming more mindful of their drinking habits, with many committed to drinking more water and embracing mindful drinking.”
The study also discovered that one in 10 people who have reduced their alcohol consumption were motivated by social media, while a further 16% were inspired by a friend.
It revealed that three out of 10 people have noticed a growing trend towards mindful drinking, with 44% stating it’s now more fashionable to cut back on alcohol than it was five years ago.
An additional 44% of these respondents expressed a desire to focus more on staying hydrated. And 36% are doing so in an effort to improve their overall wellbeing, while 29% are using water as a way to ‘pace’ themselves when enjoying a drink at summer social events.
Nearly one in five (18%) wished they drank more water than they currently do, as 22% admit they don’t hydrate enough when socialising during the warmer summer months. However, 33% of those planning to consume alcohol this summer intend to make a concerted effort to increase their water intake.
The research, carried out via OnePoll, also found that 42% feel pressured to drink alcohol at events such as gigs or parties (20%), or due to their friends (18%). Furthermore, 14% feel that modern societal expectations and the demands of social gatherings place pressure on them to drink.
But, according to the survey, almost half, 43%, are rebelling against pressures, choosing non-alcoholic or low-alcohol alternatives when out for a drink.
Speaking for Harrogate Spring Water, Richard Hall said: “Societal norms around alcohol consumption can make us feel pressured, but we believe it’s about finding balance.”
“When having an alcoholic drink, you can always alternate with non-alcoholic options or ‘double up’ by drinking some water with every drink you have to help you stay hydrated. It feels obvious but it can be so easy to get sucked up into a moment and forget entirely to drink water alongside an alcoholic drink.”
