A relaxing red, or a shot of aggression?

‘Laced with violence’

DRINKING red wine makes people feel relaxed and amorous while vodka or whisky boosts energy and aggression, a study suggests.

Researchers have found that drinkers have significantly different emotional responses to different alcoholic drinks.

The study, led by experts at Bangor University and King’s College London, found red wine was likely to make people feel sexy and relaxed – but also tired and tearful. Drinking spirits was linked to feelings of aggression and restlessness – but also gave people a boost of energy and confidence.

Beer increased both relaxation and confidence, while white wine was seen to have a similar impact as red wine – but far less pronounced.

The data is taken from the Global Drug Survey, an online questionnaire of 18 to 34-year-olds conducted in 11 languages in 21 coun- tries. The authors, writing in the BMJ Open journal, said: ‘Understanding emotions associated with alcohol consumption is imperative to addressing alcohol misuse, providing insight into what emotions influence drink choice between different groups in the population.’

Professor Mark Bellis of Bangor University, who is also Public Health Wales’ director of policy, research and international development, said: ‘For centuries, the history of rum, gin, vodka and other spirits has been laced with violence.

‘This global study suggests even today consuming spirits is more likely to result in feelings of aggression than other drinks.

‘In the UK, a litre of off-licence spirits can easily be bought for £15 or less, making a double shot only 75p. Such prices can encourage consumption at levels harmful to the health of the drinker and through violence and injuries also represent a risk to the people around them.’