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?

Perhaps unsurprisingly, 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, often drinking to cope,” says Andrew Misell, director at Alcohol Change UK.

But drinking more heavily and regularly can spell trouble.

“Not only can it exacerbate anxiety and depression but it can lead to physical health issues, strained relationships and poor work performance,” says Millie Gooch, founder of Sober Girl Society (sobergirlsociety.com).

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

“Mindful drinking is simply drinking with a more thoughtful approach,” says Millie.

“It means understanding why you’re 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?”

THE REWARD DRINKER

You... tend to drink as a pat on the back for doing something well

The issue: You will start to form an association between a job well done and alcohol, and will find it increasingly hard to celebrate without a drink.

How to be mindful: Ask yourself if alcohol is really a treat. Some would argue it isn’t due to the physical effect it has on our bodies. Is there something else you could reward yourself with, be it a bubble bath, new shoes or a day off?

THE BORED DRINKER

You... reach for the booze when twiddling your thumbs at home

The issue: You will find yourself filling any empty spaces with alcohol and being unable to sit with the boredom in future scenarios.

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 instead.

THE PARTY DRINKER

You... drink to excess when in a social setting The issue: Not only will you be hungover the next day, but you may also wake up with “the fear” – anxiety about what you may have done while intoxicated.

How to be mindful: You should take it one drink at a time and don’t order another until you have 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.

THE PEER-PRESSURE DRINKER

You… find it hard to say no when others around you are drinking

The issue: Your people-pleasing means you are not in charge of your own decisions and are likely to drink more than you want. This lack of control can lead to feelings of guilt. How to be mindful: Take more ownership of your drinking and choose to drink in situations that are dictated by you.

Practise boundaries and make it clear to your friends that it is important they respect them.

THE STRESS DRINKER

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

You… drink when feeling down or stressed to cheer up

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

Those things making you stressed or sad will still be there when you sober up – and now you’ll have to deal with them while hungover.

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?

Remember that if you are going to drink, it’s always better to do it when you’re in a good headspace.

THE FUN-SEEKING DRINKER

You… drink because you think you have more fun when drunk The issue: You will start to believe that most things that aren’t drinking are boring and – because of the drama and chaos alcohol can bring – you may even start to find everything boring as you are always chasing that high. How to be mindful: Ask yourself what it is about drinking you find fun and if you ever really do reach the high you’re chasing.

Try having fun without alcohol to make sure it isn’t your only outlet.