Population estimates of alcohol misusers who access DWP benefits

Abstract

This study aimed to estimate the number of people who are accessing Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits and who have a problematic relationship with alcohol. It follows a similar study, also commissioned by DWP, which estimated the number of Problem Drug Users (PDUs) who access DWP benefits. This study combines the most accurate, relevant and up-to-date data on the number of dependent drinkers with a score of 20 or more in the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)1, derived from survey data2, with benefit uptake data to produce estimates for 2008