Covid Concern Kicks Off New 'Know Your Score' Alcohol Campaign

Concerns that changes in drinking habits and levels of alcohol consumption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic are causing increasing health issues, are leading health experts to remind residents they can ‘Know Your Score’ with a simple online quiz and find steps to cutback.

Estimates show the majority of people in Kent (approximately three-quarters) drink sensibly and in safe limits but around 25 per cent are consuming alcohol at increasing or higher risk. This suggests around 308,000 Kent residents are drinking above the recommended levels of alcohol.

National figures show, of those whose drinking habits had changed, more women had increased their alcohol consumption than men. Alcohol consumption during the pandemic tended to increase with age up to the 55 to 63-year-old age group.*

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.

Rates of hospital admissions related to alcohol have been increasing in recent years in Kent – from 320 per 100,000 population in 2008/09, to 444 per 100,000 in 2019/20 (an increase of 39%). Kent residents are urged to try the ‘Know Your Score’ online tool at www.kent.gov.uk/knowyourscore which asks 10 questions about drinking habits before giving users a score and information of where they can get support in Kent to help cutback if they are consuming too much.

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: “Our lifestyle advisers can help people make those small changes that can make a big difference towards a healthier lifestyle. We offer free one-to-one support, discussing any concerns you have including alcohol and the effects that drinking too much could be having on your health and wellbeing. We empower clients to reduce their drinking and feel better. We work alongside other drug and alcohol services to make sure clients get the right support for them.”

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 (CGL) provides the West Kent Drug and Alcohol Wellbeing Service.

Residents can also 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.