Ealing has the highest rate of alcohol-related hospital admissions in London. In 2023/24 there were 628 admissions for every 100,000 people in the borough, followed by Hounslow and Islington. That is 25% above the England average and more than double Bromley’s rate, the lowest in the capital. For adults in London and nearby areas who are worried about their own drinking, concerned about someone close to them, or comparing local alcohol harm data before considering private detox or rehab, this guide sets out the borough-by-borough rates, explains what alcohol-related admissions include, and outlines what to do if alcohol use is becoming a problem.
For the national picture, see our UK alcoholism statistics, and for drugs, our look at London’s drug problem.
Key stats
- There were 30,198 alcohol-related hospital admissions across London in 2023/24.
- London’s overall rate (403 per 100,000) is 20% lower than England’s (504).
- Only three boroughs are significantly worse than the England average: Ealing, Hounslow and Islington.
- Five of the seven highest-rate boroughs are in west London: Ealing, Hounslow, Hillingdon, Hammersmith and Fulham, and Brent.
- Ealing, Hounslow and Hillingdon had 5,026 admissions between them, about 1 in 6 of London’s total.
- Luton’s rate (544) is higher than every London borough except Ealing, Hounslow and Islington.
How every London borough local government ranks
Hillingdon, Camden, Hammersmith and Fulham and Brent are statistically similar to the England average. The other 25 boroughs are significantly better. The lowest rates are in outer south London: Bromley, Croydon and Sutton.
If you live in west London and you’re worried about drinking, our drug and alcohol rehab in London is within easy reach.
Where the most people are admitted
A low rate doesn’t always mean a small number of people. Croydon has the second-lowest rate in London but still had 1,075 admissions, more than Islington, which has the third-highest rate. Croydon simply has a much bigger population.
How Luton compares Here
Luton’s rate is 8% above the England average and 35% above London’s. If Luton were a London borough, it would rank fourth, just behind Islington. Alcohol isn’t the only issue in the town either. We’ve looked at whether Luton has a drug problem too.
What counts as an "alcohol-related" admission?
These figures use the official “narrow” measure. It counts admissions where the main reason someone went into hospital was caused fully or partly by alcohol, such as alcoholic liver disease, alcohol poisoning, or an injury from a fall. Rates are age-standardised, so boroughs with older or younger populations can be compared fairly.
What to do if you're worried about drinking
For a lot of people, a hospital stay is the moment they or their family realise drinking has become a real problem, and alcohol-related health harms are often more concentrated in areas facing socioeconomic deprivation. You don’t have to wait for that point. If you’re not sure, our drinking self-assessment quiz and guide to the warning signs of alcoholism are good places to start. If it’s someone else you’re worried about, read our guide on how to help an alcoholic.
If you’re in London or Luton and worried about your own drinking or someone else’s, call Rehab Today on [phone number] or fill in our Get Help form for a confidential chat about alcohol detox in London or alcohol rehab in Luton.
FAQs
Which London borough has the highest rate of alcohol-related hospital admissions?
Ealing, with 628 admissions per 100,000 people in 2023/24.
Which London borough has the lowest rate?
Bromley, with 277 per 100,000.
How many alcohol-related hospital admissions are there in London?
There were 30,198 in 2023/24.
Is London worse than the rest of England?
No. London’s rate is 403 per 100,000, which is 20% below England’s 504.
