By DEBORA ARU

ORE than one in every four people lies about the amount of alcohol they drink, a new survey has revealed.

Experts have warned the findings show people are struggling to “open up” about their boozing habits.

The survey, from YouGov, asked people to come clean about the amount they drink. Nearly six in every 10 people (59 per cent) admit they have lied at least once to their GP about their alcohol intake.

More than four in 10 (43 per cent) have lied at least once to their parents, while nearly a third (31 per cent) have lied to their children about how much alcohol they drink.

To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level, the UK Chief Medical Officer advises not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis.

This is roughly the same as seven pints of average-strength lager, or just over nine 125ml glasses of wine.

Men are more likely to lie about their alcohol intake (29 per cent) than women (24 per cent).

Karen Tyrell, spokesperson for drug and alcohol charity Addaction, said: “These statistics clearly show that many of us struggle to talk and open up about our alcohol use.

“More than five million of us have personal experience of an alcohol problem.

“About half of us know someone who’s had a problem. It’s incredibly common but it’s still not an easy thing to talk about.

“If you’re worried about someone in your life, one of the best things you can do is let the person know you’re there to listen without judgement.

“Four out of five adults who are alcohol dependent are not in treatment meaning we need to do far more to break down the barriers stopping people coming forward.

“If you are worried about your alcohol use the first thing to do is reach out, it might be to a friend or family member, to your GP or an alcohol service.

“Some people will get back on their feet with a bit of support from family and friends, others might need a hand from an organisation like ours. But it always starts with talking.”