Alcohol and adults
The amount of alcohol consumed per person reached a peak in England in the mid-2000s and then began to fall. Despite this, the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on drinking behaviour. There was an increase in people drinking at higher-risk levels. Those drinking most before the pandemic were likely to report increasing their drinking.
Estimates show that at least a quarter of adults in North Tyneside drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week. This means that they are at risk of developing health problems in the future. Over 2,600 adults in North Tyneside are dependent on alcohol. They continue to drink despite harmful consequences. They feel they cannot function or survive without alcohol. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a shift in behaviour. More people consume alcohol at home.
Drinking too much alcohol can have severe effects on your health. There are over 60 medical conditions that you may be at increased risk of. Including some cancers, high blood pressure, liver disease and depression.
Every year in North Tyneside, there are:
- around 100 alcohol-specific deaths
- 2,500 alcohol-related hospital admissions
- around 2,000 alcohol-related violent crimes
- thousands of work-related absences linked to drinking alcohol.
An estimate of the personal, social, and economic cost of alcohol is £21 billion a year in England. It is over £74million for North Tyneside. That comes at a cost for the NHS, crime and licensing, workplaces, and social care.