A resurfaced clip from Ed Sheeran’s appearance on "The Louis Theroux Podcast" has revived debate over how different cultures view alcohol, and when routine drinking may cross into addiction.

The singer’s comments from the 2025 podcast drew attention because they contrasted British drinking norms with American views of alcohol use.

"Americans call something ‘ alcoholism ’ that Brits simply call ‘culture.’ Maybe one or two pints at the end of a workday," the singer said during the 2025 podcast.

"On a Friday you’ll have 6 pints and a bottle of wine. It’s not alcoholism to drink every day here … It’s just the culture."

Here's What They're Not Telling You About Your Retirement

Public health experts noted that Americans and Britons consume similar amounts of alcohol overall. The average adult drinks about 9.7 liters of pure alcohol per year, according to the World Health Organization.

However, experts said drinking patterns can still differ even when overall consumption is similar. Those patterns include how often people drink, how much they consume at one time and how societies view alcohol.

In the U.K., pubs are commonly viewed as community gathering places, and alcohol is a routine part of social life for many people. In the U.S., attitudes toward drinking vary more by region, religion and social norms, according to experts.

Jessica Steinman, chief clinical officer at No Matter What Recovery in Los Angeles, said British and American cultures have long differed, including in how people approach alcohol.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

"Americans can’t legally drink until 21, and it is frowned upon to do so before that age," she told Fox News Digital. "In England, there is less stigma and restrictions around alcohol, which changes how people view it and drink it."

Steinman said the cultural setting does not remove the need to look at how alcohol is affecting a person’s life. She pointed to loss of control and negative consequences as signs that drinking may be more than a cultural habit.

"Regardless of where anyone lives and regardless of their culture, when alcohol or substances start negatively affecting someone’s life or when someone cannot control the levels of alcohol they drink, then it is a problem," Steinman said.

She also expressed concern that people with alcohol use disorder may explain away their drinking as part of local culture. That may make it harder for them to recognize a problem and seek help.

Chris Tuell, EdD., clinical director of addiction services at Lindner Center of HOPE and associate professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, said Sheeran’s comments show how strongly culture shapes perceptions of drinking.

"What is considered ‘normal’ in one country may seem excessive in another," he told Fox News Digital. "In parts of the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Australia or even parts of the U.S., drinking is woven into sporting events, celebrations, work gatherings and family traditions."

Tuell said culture alone does not determine whether a person has alcohol use disorder. He also said that two people can drink the same weekly amount and have very different outcomes.

One person may drink socially, maintain relationships, perform well at work and choose not to drink when needed, according to Tuell. Another person drinking the same amount may experience worsening anxiety, strained relationships, poor sleep, financial problems, declining health and an inability to stop.

Because of that, whether someone drinks daily, on weekends or only at celebrations is only part of the picture. Tuell said alcohol use disorder is measured more by what alcohol has taken from someone’s life than by the amount alone.

He pointed to several patterns that can potentially indicate alcohol use disorder. These include spending increasing amounts of time obtaining or recovering from alcohol, continuing to drink despite relationship problems, continuing to drink despite worsening depression or anxiety and giving up important activities because of drinking.

Tuell said comparison can be one of the biggest barriers to recognizing a drinking problem. People may say "everyone I know drinks this much" or "my family drinks every day."

"Those comparisons can be misleading," Tuell said. "Imagine someone saying, ‘everyone in my family has high blood pressure .’ That doesn't make untreated hypertension healthy. Likewise, widespread drinking doesn't eliminate the possibility that alcohol is causing harm."

---

Are you feeling overwhelmed or hopeless right now? Have you been withdrawing from people or activities you usually enjoy? Are you having thoughts about hurting yourself, or feeling like things will never improve?

You do not have to handle those feelings alone. Support is available, and talking to someone can make a difference. You can reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or by chatting online at 988lifeline.org. Trained counselors are available 24 hours a day to listen and help.

If you believe someone is in immediate danger, call emergency services right away. Even a small step, like reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, or professional, can help create a path forward.