Research: Lockdown causes alcohol addicts to increase to 2.5 million people

LONDON – Lockdown implemented in the UK creates new problems for people who are now addicted to alcohol. Before the lockdown, the number of alcoholics in the UK was only 1.5 million people and is now 2.5 million people.

In a poll conducted by the British government, before the pandemic estimated 1.5 million adults drank at least 50 glasses each week or the equivalent of three liters or almost a bottle of wine every night.

Since the lockdown was imposed, the figure has jumped to just 2.5 million people this summer, which experts have blamed on the endless cycle of virus containment restrictions.

READ: UK plans to tighten borders to contain the spread of Covid-19

Dr Tony Rao, a world-renowned expert on alcohol abuse in the elderly at King’s College London, warns the impact the lockdown has had on people’s minds. Alcohol charities show data that addiction in the elderly has reached crisis levels.

Public Health England (PHE) has been monitoring the health of the population for pandemic , monitor smoking, gambling, and exercise levels. The agency has also tracked alcohol intake, repeatedly asking thousands of participants how much they consumed.

“The latest data, combined with the highest number of alcohol-related deaths ever recorded, is a stark warning to the Government,” Dr Rao was quoted as saying Dailymail, Sunday (15/8/2021).

READ ALSO: Proven Effective, Three Covid-19 Drugs Will be Tested by WHO

Data from the study, which questioned 4,061 in several different batches, showed the greatest increase in alcohol dependence was among people over the age of 65.

Dr Rao said the increase among people over the age of 65 could be because they socialized less during the lockdown and led to longer periods of loneliness.

Dr Niall Campbell, a consultant psychiatrist at Priory Roehampton Hospital, said he had seen an increase in alcoholics over 65 in his practice since the lockdown began. Ages over 65 are particularly vulnerable because they are more often isolated from friends and family.

He told MailOnline: ‘A lot is turning to alcohol and a drink or two in the evening becomes three or four, or five or six.

“Over 65 are more susceptible to the dangers of too much alcohol, especially liver disease, stomach ulcers, pancreatitis, heart disease and brain damage,” he said.

(es)

– .