‘Many drinking more last year feel worse’

Nearly half (44%) of those in the North East who found themselves drinking more alcohol in the last year feel worse as a result, according to new research by Balance.

The North East of England’s alcohol office says its survey of more than 600 people in the region suggests that the hangovers, tiredness and low moods caused by alcohol are not the answer.

In addition, 18% of the people polled say there have been more arguments and tension in their family during the coronavirus pandemic because of alcohol.

It comes as Balance relaunches the Alcohol – Not the Answer campaign, which launched in November 2020.

This led to 50% of increasing and higher risk drinkers who saw the campaign feeling like they should cut down, 21% of drinkers cutting down how often they drank and 19% cutting down on how much they drink.

Another 70,000 people also visited the reducemyrisk.tv website for more information.

Colin Shevills, director of Balance, said: “It is too easy for regular drinking to creep up and turn into a daily habit – putting our physical health more at risk from many serious conditions and making us more tired and depressed. These are worrying times, but drinking more is not the answer. In fact, it is clear that many people who drank more say it made them feel worse.

“The positive news is that many people who found themselves drinking more want to reduce their drinking in 2021. Some good ways to cut down are to take more drink-free days and try to stay within no more than 14 units a week.”