Fears over the impact of lockdown drinking

A charity has warned about the dangers of a wave of alcohol-related health issues due to lockdown drinking.

Alcohol education charity, Drinkaware, published its annual report into UK drinking behaviours which show alarming increases in drinking over the lockdown period.

D r i n k awa re ’s M o n i t o r 2020 shows that one quarter of adult drinkers in the North East drank more alcohol during early lockdown with 9% drinking more than their normal throughout the overall lockdown period.

Pe o p l e s a i d t h e y w e re drinking due to having more time, less structure to their day, and to help with stress or anxiety. As lives continue to be disrupted in the North East, Drinkaware fears a wave of alcohol-related health problems.

The charity is calling on the government and UK employers to urgently consider the pandemic’s effect on drinking behaviours and immediately prioritise the impact of alcohol harm.

Drinkaware Chief Executive, Elaine Hindal, said: “Our Monitor shows that when people are feeling fragile – whether they’re uncertain about their futures or struggling with working at home – they could be reaching for a drink.

"And while some people adapt, many might not be getting to grips with the so-called ‘new normal’, continuing to drink more than they usually would.

“Drinking can cause mental health conditions or make them worse, negatively affect your sleep, lead to weight gain, and has the potential to impair your immune function.

"It can also have many other serious long-term mental and physical health consequences.

“The evidence clearly links drinking more to job insecurity and negative mental health.”