Sponsored Editorial: Produced in association with Kent County Council

After a tough year with Covid-19 restrictions continuing to affect people’s lifestyles, health experts in Kent are encouraging people to try an online tool which looks at how much alcohol they’re drinking and offers support if it’s becoming a problem.

“We are really concerned about people’s drinking habits as increasing numbers are consuming alcohol at levels that can seriously harm their short and long-term health,” explains Jess Mookherjee, Consultant for Alcohol and Drugs Misuse at Kent County Council.

“We know that some people have already cut back but for many, especially those drinking at home, it’s incredibly difficult to appreciate how many units you’re pouring and we are seeing evidence nationally that people are drinking more regularly which is already leading to a rise in alcohol-related health harms.

"That’s why we want people to try the Lower My Drinking online tool at www.lowermydrinking.com”

Excessive alcohol consumption* can lead to high blood pressure and also trigger an irregular heartbeat, both of which increase the risk of having a stroke, heavy drinking increases the risk of having a stroke by more than three times.

It is also a risk factor for some cancers, particularly head and neck cancers and breast cancer. By drinking less and within the recommended limits, you will reduce your risk of having a stroke, cancer and depression.

Health professionals are concerned that the restrictions mean more people are drinking at home and not aware of their alcohol intake levels.

The Lower My Drinking online tool asks 10 questions about drinking habits before giving users a score and information of where they can get support in Kent to help cut back if they are consuming too much. There is further online support from the ‘Lower My Drinking’ app which is provided by Breaking Free Online and is available on the Google and Apple stores.

There are a range of services available in Kent to help people to get the treatment they need including One You Kent Lifestyle services in the community that can support people if they need further help to cut back.

Mark Cummings, One You Kent Locality Lead, said: “A healthy lifestyle is a key factor for preventing illness. One You Lifestyle Advisers will spend time discussing any concerns you have including alcohol and the effects that drinking too much could be having on your health and wellbeing.”

A range of formal and informal alcohol support services are available, such as AA and Smart Recovery and Al-anon for friends, family and carers of alcoholics.

KCC also commissions specialist treatment providers to provide structured treatment for alcohol addiction. Forward Trust runs the East Kent Community Drug and Alcohol Service while Change Grow Live provides the West Kent Drug and Alcohol Wellbeing Service.

Residents can find a range of tools, tips and local support services that can help you at www.kent.gov.uk/lowermydrinking or call 0300 123 1220.

Jess Mookherjee added: “People who are affected by alcohol addiction do not have to suffer alone, we want them to get help. It is important to get support at the right time.

"If people are drinking because they are depressed and stressed we urge them to see their GPs or contact Live Well Kent. Alcohol is never the real solution for these issues.

“For those who feel their drinking is hurting themselves or loved ones, or they are having trouble keeping their lives in control, we urge them to get the support available now, your lives are important, help is available”.

*The Department of Health recommends drinking levels do not regularly exceed more than 14 units a week. One pint of strong beer or cider equals three units, as does a large glass (250ml) of wine. A small glass of wine (175ml) amounts to two units while a bottle of beer can mean 1.5 units but these can all vary depending on the alcoholic strength of the drink.