ONE in five people in the South West are drinking more alcohol since the start of lockdown – and the charity Drinkaware is warning of the impact on health.

A study of around 2,000 people in the UK carried out by the charity showed that some people in the region have picked up worrying drinking habits that could lead to an increased tolerance for alcohol and in some cases, alcohol dependency. These include: drinking on more days than usual (17%), having the first alcoholic drink earlier in the day (10%), finding it difficult to stop at one drink (8%) and drinking alone when they wouldn’t usually (8%).

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.

The charity’s chief executive Elaine Hindal said: ’Our research out today 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.

She added: ’It is crucial that alcohol is considered as a factor when the government is looking at tackling obesity.

’Alcohol consumption should also be looked at as a factor within mental health strategies, including for those furloughed and younger people who may feel uncertain about the future, and for parents who are juggling work and family life.

’The important thing to remember is that, if you or someone you care about is drinking more than usual at the moment, it’s not too late to cut down or find support to help you. Understanding what triggers you to drink more can help you avoid reaching for alcohol. Sticking to the low risk drinking guidelines of no more than 14 units a week – that’s about six glasses of wine or six pints of beer – is a good place to start to help you keep track.’

Drinkaware has an online self-assessment that can help identify whether someone should be concerned about how much they drink.