A woman from the United Kingdom has shared her experience of how alcohol delivery apps contributed to the escalation of her drinking problem, highlighting wider concerns about the role such services play in facilitating excessive alcohol consumption. Now five years sober, she is advocating for regulatory changes to better control alcohol sales through these platforms.

The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, described how the convenience and anonymity of delivery apps allowed her to purchase large quantities of wine and spirits without direct interaction or delay. At the height of her addiction, she said she regularly consumed more than two bottles of wine a day, often ordering multiple bottles via apps like Deliveroo while already under the influence. This cycle, she noted, was exacerbated by discount offers and spending caps that encouraged larger orders.

Her drinking began in adolescence, with exposure to alcopops such as WKD and Bacardi Breezers at age 13. She described binge drinking during her university years in Manchester and intensified alcohol use following a move to London for a banking career. Despite early attempts to moderate her intake, including relationships with teetotal partners, her dependence deepened over time. The advent of delivery apps further enabled her to conceal her consumption, especially after the birth of her son in 2019.

During pregnancy, she abstained from alcohol but resumed heavy drinking soon after childbirth, relying heavily on delivery apps to avoid leaving the house with her infant. She managed to breastfeed by timing her drinking and expressing milk beforehand. It was not until a family member noticed her intoxication on New Year’s Eve 2020 that she recognized the severity of her situation. Seeking help in early 2021, she engaged a sobriety coach and later attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, which she credits with her sustained recovery.

The woman now works as a sobriety advocate alongside her career in sustainability communications. She supports Alcohol Change UK’s campaign calling for stricter licensing regulations on alcohol delivery services. Proposed measures include training delivery personnel to refuse certain orders, implementing time restrictions and spending limits, and eliminating promotional discounts that encourage excessive purchases.

A recent survey cited by the woman indicates that more than 12 million adults in the UK use fast delivery services to order alcohol at least weekly. Among these users, over 40% exceed recommended drinking guidelines, and many report ordering alcohol while intoxicated, raising public health concerns.

While delivery apps offer undeniable convenience, critics argue that their unfettered access to alcohol poses risks for individuals vulnerable to addiction. Advocates urge policymakers and companies to consider stricter oversight to mitigate these risks while maintaining consumer accessibility.

Support for individuals struggling with alcohol dependence is available through Alcoholics Anonymous via its helpline and website.