Ten per cent of adults in the UK drink alcohol to cope with loneliness… and the problem is worst in the North, new study suggests
- Researchers estimated 3.1million people drown sorrows to deal with loneliness
- In the North 21 per cent drink on their own against ten per cent in the South
- The poll also found three in ten people feel lonely all the time or some of the time
One in ten adults are turning to alcohol to cope with loneliness, a study says.
Researchers estimated 3.1million people drown their sorrows to deal with their lack of relationships.
Those aged 40 to 55 were most susceptible, social care group Turning Point’s survey of 2,000 adults revealed.
Researchers estimated 3.1million people drown their sorrows to deal with their lack of relationships
Northerners struggle the most, with 21 per cent drinking on their own against ten per cent in the South.
The poll also found three in ten people feel lonely all the time or some of the time.
Jan Larkin, head of psychology and a consultant clinical psychologist at Turning Point, said: ‘Social connections, companionship and friendship play a vital role in everyone’s wellbeing and quality of life.
‘It’s worrying that so many feel lonely, and some are turning to alcohol for comfort. They risk becoming even more isolated by relying on drink.
Northerners struggle the most, with 21 per cent drinking on their own against ten per cent in the South
‘More commitment is needed from the Government to addressing the issue. A cross-cutting strategy on alcohol-related harm would enable currently overstretched services to do more.
‘They would be able to reach out to people in the early stages of dependency and help them make a change.’