Concerns at increase in drinking levels during lockdown

A charity has warned that an increase in drinking during lockdown could have a lasting health impact.

Drinkaware is warning of devastating health consequences for many people if action is not taken.

New research from the independent alcohol education charity reveals that 36 per cent of people in the North East are drinking more alcohol since the start of lockdown.

It is significantly higher than the national average where, overall, 22 per cent of adults in the UK are drinking more since the lockdown began. Across all regions in the UK, the North East has the highest proportion of adults who are drinking more.

The survey of more than 2,000 people also highlighted some people in the North East displaying worrying drinking habits, including 29 per cent drinking on more days than usual, and 19 per cent drinking to cope with the day.

Drinkaware is urging people to look out for drinking triggers to help them cut back and is calling on government to raise the issue of alcohol higher up its harm reduction agenda.

Drinkaware Chief Executive Elaine Hindal said: “Our research clearly shows certain groups of people are displaying worrying new drinking patterns during this very challenging time.

“We’re concerned that, for a significant number of people, lockdown levels of drinking may become ingrained and hard to break.

"Drinking more can lead to an increased tolerance for alcohol, and this can lead to alcohol dependence.

"Understanding what triggers you to drink more can help you avoid reaching for alcohol.”