People in South Yorkshire turning to 'cheaper & stronger' alcohol due to the cost-of-living crisis
We've been speaking to Stuart Green from the Aspire Drug & Alcohol treatment service in Doncaster about this
Drug, alcohol, and mental health charity, With You, is raising awareness of drinking dangers as the cost-of-living crisis is driving people to buy cheaper and stronger alcohol from supermarkets.
The crisis has led to a shift in drinking habits, as 56% say they are buying more alcohol from supermarkets now, with 45% choosing supermarket brands. The worry here is that 39% are aware that when they buy cheaper alcohol it contains higher alcohol content, which could lead to issues related to alcohol dependence.
Those who are suffering from mental health pressures related to the crisis could increase their alcohol consumption as people are drinking due to feeling sad or depressed (39%), anxious (38%) or lonely and isolated (35%), with some saying they feel more comfortable drinking alcohol alone compared to a year ago (42%).
With more people drinking out of sight of others, at home alone, With You is concerned this could lead to unhealthy relationships with alcohol, particularly for those who are using alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Ahead of exciting national events and many bank holidays, With You has conducted the research to highlight the change in drinking habits during the cost-of-living crisis and remind people there is support available if you or someone you care about is worried about alcohol consumption.
Worryingly, a third (33%) of respondents agree that if they were worried about their alcohol intake being too high, they would prefer not to seek any kind of support.
Stuart Green works for the Aspire Drug & Alcohol treatment service in Doncaster:
"We're seeing people drink higher strength alcohol as avoidance around the social economic climate.
"Things like cheap ciders and super strength beers.
"This is playing out unfortunately in our A & E departments and services like Aspire.
"People are choosing these cheaper options for the effect rather than the taste.
"It can be quite rough as well, causing acid on the stomach.
"It's not always the best produced alcohol.
"Your liver will tolerate an element of alcohol in it, but it can cause health complications, diabetes, and sadly, because of the current picture with the cost-of-living crisis, a lot of people are dealing with it by burying their head in strong alcohol.
"I think we'll see even more of this with the King's Coronation coming up, as well as the warmer weather, so it's important people act now if they think they've got a problem."
You can read more about Aspire on their website below:
https://www.aspire.community/our-services/doncaster/