Lowestoft charity warns cost-of-living crisis fuelling consumption of stronger alcohol
Over 30% of adults in the East of England say they drink more alcohol when they feel lonely or isolated
Last updated 13th Apr 2023
A charity has warned the cost-of-living crisis is causing people to buy cheaper but stronger alcohol.
Research by support service With You has described a shift in drinking habits, as 56 per cent of people say they are buying more alcohol from supermarkets.
Here in the East, over 30% of adults say they drink more alcohol when they feel lonely or isolated.
Lester Morse is from Rehabs UK in Lowestoft. He's a recovering alcoholic, who's been sober for 32 years: "It's a drug that does give relief. One of the affects for me was that it helped relieve my anxiety.
"But there's an old saying I learnt early on in my treatment: 'alcohol have me the wings to fly, but it also took away the sky'.
"So, even though it was a great solution for my emotional problems, it became a massive problem in itself...
"I still have to deal with lots of mental health issues."
Stephen McCulloch from With You says people need to be aware when looking for cheaper products, that the alcohol content could actually be higher.
"Make sure you always check the labels of any alcohol brand you're buying,” he said.
“Equally when you're at home rather than going out you have the risk of purchasing more in bulk.
"We're also less cautious over things like measuring our alcohol when pouring ourselves at home."
There are also concerns those who are suffering from mental health pressures related to the crisis could increase their alcohol consumption.
Stephen added: "Over a third of UK adults drink more alcohol when they feel anxious, and we actually know that alcohol consumption is linked to anxiety.
"So, you might feel at the time like alcohol is making you feel more relaxed, but it essentially borrows happiness from your next day, so indeed it can then lead to more anxiety the next day."