Switching Substances: introduction of Minimum Pricing for Alcohol
Minimum Pricing for Alcohol was enacted in Wales in 2020. During consultations, people expressed concern that problem drinkers might switch to using other, more affordable substances. The study aimed to explore the extent people were substituting alcohol for other drugs due to the increased price, focusing on service users’ and service providers’ views.
Using interviews and online questionnaires, the team engaged those who were harmful drinkers in treatment and treatment providers. Interviews were conducted with 49 service users and 38 service providers. The service users were mostly male, aged between 45 and 54 years, with over half using alcohol only. Respondents were situated across Wales.
Two separate online surveys were distributed via email to service users and providers via the researchers’ networks and social media. In total, 100 service providers and 93 service users completed the questionnaire.
Most respondents anticipated negative results from the introduction of Minimum Pricing for Alcohol, and only some drinkers were confident about being able to adapt to the changes. The likelihood of switching substances was linked to their existing behaviour patterns. For example, if a person did not already use other drugs, they were more likely to switch to cheaper alcohol. Some suggested that they would switch away from Cider, which would likely become more expensive under the new legislation, towards spirits and wine.
Conversely, those with prior drug use might switch from alcohol to drugs. This group was considered more dependent on alcohol and as having fewer financial resources or coping mechanisms to implement instead. It was suggested that the drug of choice would be something that most mimicked the effect of alcohol (e.g. benzodiazepines), as the aim is often to numb and forget experiences. Some respondents also mentioned considering the use of widely available alternative drugs such as coffee and worryingly, hand sanitiser or methylated spirits.
Overall, the researchers discovered that very few service providers had information about the new minimum pricing, and four dominant perceptions were recorded throughout the interviews and surveys:
- Attempting to fix the issue of cheap alcohol availability was a positive culture shift that may benefit future generations.
- The pricing increase was unlikely to significantly impact moderate drinkers.
- The legislation would impact a small group of vulnerable individuals, e.g. people who are homeless.
- A belief that the price change was a tax and a concern about where the additional money would go.
In conclusion, the study surmised that it was unlikely many people would switch from alcohol to other substances. However, service users and providers were pessimistic about the potential impact of minimum pricing of alcohol as they thought people would find ways to retain their usual level of drinking.
