People living in the North East of England are more likely to be cutting down their alcohol or stopping intake than anywhere else in the country, according to a new report.
The survey, carried out by global market research group, Mintel, has shown that 41 per cent of people surveyed in the region say that they have cut down on or quit drinking alcohol. Only 27 per cent of people in the South East have said they are cutting down or quitting.
A total of 41 per cent of people of people who quit or cut down their drinking did it to lose weight and 44 per cent to save money, according to the report.
Colin Shevills , Director at Balance, an organisation with the aim of helping people lessen their alcohol intake and reduce the impact alcohol has in the North East.
He said: "While any signs that people are limiting or reducing their alcohol intake are positive, they need to be viewed with the wider context in mind." He added: “Official data released by Public Health England shows that enough alcohol is sold for every drinker in the North East to be consuming 21 units a week – that's more than seven units above the Chief Medical Officers’ recommended guidelines.”
Colin believes that it is often the 'poorest people’ in society who are most affected by alcohol related harms, which is why the North East suffers more than some of the more ‘affluent areas’ of the country. He also thinks measures should be introduced inequalities and make alcohol affordable, available and widely promoted.
Denise Burridge is the Deputy Director of Nursing for Change, Grow, Live, a national health and social care charity. She said: “It’s a positive way forward, even historically alcohol consumption was higher in the North East, there have been massive campaigns in the north regions which the public have really gotten behind and becoming much more aware of their own health.”
If there is anyone looking for help, they can visit Balance at
Or Change, Grow, Live at
