6,000 people in Plymouth are alcohol dependent

THERE are around 6,000 dependent drinkers in Plymouth resulting in widespread poor health and deadly diets.

There are also an estimated 6,000 men and 4,000 women who binge-drink on – at least – a weekly basis in the city.

This is around four per cent of the population in Plymouth, and a significant proportion of binge drinkers are aged between 18–25.

The NHS definition of binge drinking is drinking heavily in a short space of time to get drunk or feel the effects of alcohol.

And aside from the direct impact on health this can have, it can also means drinkers pile on the pounds.

Adrian Edwards, Practice Supervisor of the alcohol team from Harbour Drug and Alcohol Services, explained how alcohol can ruin someone’s diet.

Adrian said: “Alcohol is produced through the process of fermenting and distilling, and in order for these processes to take place alcohol requires both starch and sugar.

“Not all of the sugars in these drinks are effectively turned into alcohol, which results in most drinks still containing a lot of sugar.

“These are classed as ’empty calories’ as they have no nutritional value.”

Drinking alcohol also reduces the amount of fat a person’s body burns, increasing the problem of introducing large amounts of sugar, as the body has to prioritise the most important jobs first.

Adrian continued: “The number one job is for the body to remove the alcohol and burning excess sugar is a far lower priority, which is why people gain weight.”

When more than six units of alcohol are consumed on a single occasion this is considered a binge.

Recommended daily alcohol intake for men is three to four units per day and for females is two to three units per day.

It is also recommended that there are at least two alcohol-free days in a week.

Adrian added: “Drinking at just above the recommended guidelines can start to have significant effects on health.”

Psychological symptoms of alcohol dependence include anxiety, depression and suicidal feelings. Specific physical problems associated with alcohol dependence include insomnia and memory loss. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe.

Between 2009/2010, 3,813 people were treated in Derriford Hospital with alcohol specific conditions.

Adrian added: “A survey from drinkaware.co.uk revealed that the average wine drinker consumes 2,000 extra calories each month. Over the course of a year, that is the equivalent of eating 184 bags of crisps or 38 roast beef dinners.”

For help or advice, visit: Harbour Drug and Alcohol Services, based at 9-10 Ermington Terrace, Mutley; call 01752 434245; visit www.harbour.org.uk.

Tomorrow: the loveLIFE booze calorie counter.