North East Big Drink Debate shows scale of alcohol abuse

Oct 22 2009 by Helen Rae, The Journal

PEOPLE in the North East are drinking too much, results from the region’s biggest public health debate have shown.

Earlier this year The Big Drink Debate – conducted by Balance, the North East alcohol office – was launched to provide vital information and insight into drinking behaviour and attitudes held towards alcohol throughout the area.

Drinkers and non-drinkers alike were asked to take part in the survey, which was supported by The Journal, and more than 13,000 took part.

The findings suggest that 87% of people in the North East drink alcohol, with consumption levels being higher than average among the younger age groups and men.

Consumption is slightly higher than average in Sunderland, with a higher proportion of residents stating they drink 10 or more units of alcohol, on at least one occasion weekly or a daily/almost daily basis.

Drinking 10 units of alcohol in one sitting would be the equivalent of having five pints of beer or three large glasses of wine (250ml) and a small measure of spirit – consuming this amount can create slurred speech, loss of self-control and, at times, aggression.

There are also indications that weekday unit consumption is slightly higher in South Tyneside and Redcar, with a higher than average proportion drinking five or more units of alcohol on a typical weekday.

NHS South of Tyne and Wear, which covers Gateshead Primary Care Trust (PCT), South Tyneside PCT and Sunderland Teaching PCT, has invested £5.6m to develop new services to support people with alcohol problems and reduce alcohol-related harm. Dr David Hambleton, director of commissioning and reform for NHS South of Tyne and Wear, said: “The health-related problems we are experiencing in the area from alcohol dependency are serious, whether they stem from alcohol-induced violence or long-term illness from alcohol misuse.

“There is a proven link between drinking and over 60 different medical conditions so it’s important we help people understand what the health risks are, what sensible drinking is and also set up a support network to help people reduce their alcohol intake.

“That’s why we’ve invested in these new services.”