Six in 10 Scots worried about their own or someone else's drinking, poll finds

Six in 10 people in Scotland (60%) have worried about their own drinking or someone else's, according to a poll published by Alcohol Focus Scotland for the country's first Alcohol Action Day on Thursday 12 November 2026.

The charity also found that a third of people (33%) would not feel confident that they or their loved ones could get the right support to cut down or stop, STV News reports.

What did the poll find?

It found that most Scots have been concerned about drinking, either their own or someone else's. Six in 10 said so, and one in three said they would not be confident of getting the right help to cut down or stop.

Alcohol Focus Scotland said the figures show the need for action and better support.

Why do people not seek help?

One barrier is believing that services are for people whose drinking is worse. Ann Gardner, 61, from Kinross, told the charity she knew her drinking was a problem but did not think services were for her.

"Alcohol became another way of managing life's pressures," she said. "Although I functioned well professionally, I found it increasingly difficult not to drink every day."

She said a turning point came when a close family member was admitted to hospital because of their drinking: "It forced me to reflect on my own alcohol use and where it might eventually lead."

Where can I get help with drinking?

People worried about their own or someone else's drinking can speak to their GP, or call Drinkline Scotland free on 0800 7314 314. Alcoholics Anonymous and local alcohol and drug recovery services in Glasgow also offer support.

What happens next?

Alcohol Focus Scotland is using Alcohol Action Day to call for better support services. The Daily Scot reported in October that alcohol deaths in Scotland had fallen by 3%.