Is our reliance on alcohol giving us all a headache?

Jun 16 2009 by Helen Rae, The Journal

FOR some it is nothing more than a glass of wine at the end of the day or a couple of pints down the pub. But statistics show drinking is becoming more of a problem in the North East – packing our hospitals and damaging our communities.

Now people across the region are being encouraged to take part in the area’s biggest ever public debate – whether they enjoy the occasional tipple or are committed teetotallers.

The Debate is being launched today by Balance – the country’s first ever regional alcohol office – to assess the impact of drink on our area.

Director Colin Shevills said: “We are expecting this to be the biggest public health debate the region has ever seen and it is about capturing the region’s relationship with and attitude towards alcohol.

“We want to hear everyone’s opinions, from non-drinkers through to couples who routinely drink a few glasses of wine at night, to those who are fixtures at their local bar.

“Whatever your age, whatever your drinking habits, we want to capture your views, so please fill in a copy of the questionnaire.”

The questionnaire is printed in The Journal today and handed out by street teams across the region over the next six weeks.

It is anonymous and asks why people do or do not drink, how many units they consume over a typical week, where they purchase alcohol and what situations would make them reduce their consumption.

Alcohol plays a key role in the economy and culture of the North East – the food and drink sector in the region employs approximately 45,000 people.

But while many jobs depend on the night-time economy, there is no doubt that as a region we are suffering more health and social problems from over-consumption.

:: To fill in a questionnaire visit www.northeastbigdrinkdebate.org.uk  or fill out the one provided in today's edition of The Journal.