Health experts warn against excessive drinking during third lockdown in Bedford

Alcohol misuse can cause a whole host of health problems like liver cancer and heart disease
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Exacerbated by the lockdown and the Christmas period, many of us will be guilty of drinking a bit more than normal.

Now with Covid-19 putting an unprecedented strain upon hospitals, health experts are urging drinkers to cut back on the booze this year and reduce the risks to their health and wellbeing.

Official figures from Public Health England reveal every region in the country saw a rise in alcohol related hospital admissions between 2014/15 and 2018/19.

Health experts are urging drinkers to cut back on the boozeHealth experts are urging drinkers to cut back on the booze
Health experts are urging drinkers to cut back on the booze

There was a 17 per cent rise in alcohol related admissions in Bedford and 970 admissions recorded in 2018/19 alone - that's 19 a week.

Despite tougher restrictions on alcohol sales, including minimum pricing, hospitals in England are also treating thousands of patients with alcohol related conditions.

Dr Richard Piper, chief executive of the charity Alcohol Change UK, said hospital admissions related to alcohol “continue to remain far too high”.

He said: "Many of us are finding ourselves drinking more heavily and more often than we would like as we try to cope with the many challenges thrown up by Covid-19 and it’s vital that those of us who need specialist support can easily access it.

Bedford Hospital (Google)Bedford Hospital (Google)
Bedford Hospital (Google)

“For some of us, taking an extended break from drinking, like having a Dry January can be a good way to reset our relationship with alcohol, particularly if our drinking has been creeping up.”

Rosanna O’Connor, director of drugs, alcohol and tobacco at Public Health England added that cutting down on drinking can reduce health risks.

Ms O’Connor said: “About 10million people in England are drinking in ways that increase the risks and many are looking to cut down. Setting yourself a target of having more drink-free days every week is an easy way to drink less and reduce the risks to your health.”

If you are concerned about your drug or alcohol use or that of someone else, you can talk to a trained advisor via We Are With You's online webchat service hereWe Are With You also runs a helpline specifically for people over 50 who are concerned about their alcohol use. Call 0808 8010750.