What type of drinker are you?

Statistics show we’re boozing more since lockdown – but could the way you drink influence what you need to do to cut down? finds out

THE nation’s alcohol intake soared during lockdown but research suggests many of us are still hitting the bottle more than before.

“Around a third of us started drinking more, and often drinking to cope,” says Andrew Misell, director at Alcohol Change UK.

But drinking more heavily and regularly can spell trouble.

Millie Gooch, author of The Sober Girl Society Handbook, said “Not only can it exacerbate anxiety and depression but it can lead to physical health issues, strained relationships and poor work performance.”

Whether you’ve signed up to Sober October or are trying to cut back, understanding what type of drinker you are and taking a more mindful approach can help, says Gooch.

She added: “Mindful drinking is simply drinking with a more thoughtful approach. It means understanding why you are drinking.

“Are you stressed? Do you lack confidence? It’s asking yourself, ‘Do I really want this drink or am I just drinking because everyone else is?’”

Can you swap alcohol for a calming yoga session or a chat with a friend?

REWARD DRINKER

The issue You have an association between a job well done and alcohol, and find it increasingly hard to celebrate without a drink. How to be mindful Ask yourself if alcohol is a treat. Some would argue it isn’t due.

Is there something else you could reward yourself with? A bubble bath, new shoes or a day off?

BORED DRINKER

The issue You find yourself filling any empty spaces and times with alcohol. How to be mindful: Rather than reaching for a drink, do something you enjoy with the time to see if it takes your mind off the craving.

Read a book, go for a walk or try an alcohol-free drink.

PARTY DRINKER

The issue Not only will you be hungover the next day but may wake up with “the fear” – anxiety about what you may have done while intoxicated. How to be mindful Take it one drink at a time and don’t order another until you’ve finished.

Appreciate the drink for the taste rather than for what it does to you. Alternate with water, avoid shots, and try to work on your confidence in social situations so you don’t feel the need to drink as much.

PEER-PRESSURE DRINKER

The issue Your people-pleasing means you’re not in charge of your own decisions and likely to drink more than you want. How to be mindful Take more ownership of your drinking. Practise boundaries and make it clear to your friends that it is important they respect them.

STRESS DRINKER

The issue Although drinking can temporarily brighten your mood, some longer term effects can leave you feeling worse.

Those things making you stressed or sad will still be there when you sober up.

How to be mindful Try asking yourself what would make you feel better in the long term – a drink or something else?

Can you swap it for a calming yoga session? Or a chat with a friend?

FUN-SEEKING DRINKER

The issue You start to believe that most things that aren’t drinking are boring and are always chasing that high. How to be mindful Try having fun without alcohol, to make sure it isn’t your only outlet.