The annual, UK-wide Drinkaware Monitor was published last week and the results paint an interesting picture of how people in Northern Ireland think about alcohol.
According to more than three in five adult drinkers (63%), the region has an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. That’s lower than the figure recorded for the same opinion in Scotland (66%) but higher than the 56% holding this view in England and significantly beyond the 38% of Welsh adult drinkers who agree with the statement.
By contrast, in Northern Ireland, many of these same individuals do not consider their own alcohol use to be unhealthy; only one in 10 believe it to be problematic.
These numbers rise, however, when respondents were asked to assess the behaviour of family and peers: just over a quarter (27%) expressed concern over friends’ drinking. As for steps they have taken to support or assist loved ones, 25% have done nothing specific and 24% have suggested professional treatment.
While 50% of people polled in Northern Ireland have initiated a conversation around the issue, only 26% feel very comfortable talking about the topic with family. Slightly under a quarter (24%) were keen to do so with friends, compared with those who would easily speak to a partner or spouse (35%).
The Monitor also found that fewer locals are drinking at home alone in 2023 (15%) than in 2021 (22%).
If you want to learn more about alcohol and how to deal with its impact, the Inspire Support Hub has some brilliant content. For example, we have created a virtual bar. It will aid you in determining your weekly alcohol intake.
The Hub also features an mood tracker, which you can use to gauge how you’re feeling day to day. This can be utilised alongside the Hub’s goal tracker. Why not try to reduce your consumption gradually and then see how that affects your mood?
Elsewhere, the Alcohol and Me self-help guide will get you thinking about the things you need to do to feel better. In fact, there are lots of resources here.
And remember: you can always self-refer through the Hub, over the phone or by email. We are here to give you the right support at the right time.
More from our blog
Menopause and work
The menopause is a natural biological process. It occurs when your ovaries age and naturally produce lower levels of reproductive hormones. The menopause may have a significant impact on home life and work performance. This can be unsettling, particularly if a particular role carries lots of responsibility. The hormonal changes…
Understanding Stepped Care and its role in workplace wellbeing
The stepped care model is a fundamental part of Inspire's workplace offering. So, what is it and why is it so important?
Time to celebrate Workplace Wellbeing Day
Workplace Wellbeing Day takes place across Ireland on Friday 26th April and business group Ibec is encouraging employers everywhere to get involved. Workplace Wellbeing Day represents an opportunity for organisations to rebalance and refocus on the things that benefit their employees' mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. It also provides them…
If It’s Okay Campaign Launched
A pair of newly published polls have revealed how people across the island of Ireland perceive mental illness. In response to figures highlighted by the research, Inspire has launched the If It’s Okay campaign, which focuses on the voices of individuals with lived experience of shame stemming from mental illness. Two surveys,…
New Analysis Highlights Importance of Workplace Wellbeing Support
A significant number of people juggling work and caring responsibilities are enduring mental health issues and financial pressures, according to Better Care Better Business, a new study by Ibec, Ireland’s largest business representative group. The research found that half of the 1,200 people who participated in the survey said that…
Inspire Attends ESB Mental Health First Aid Event
Workplace wellbeing was at the heart of ESB’s mental health first aid conference this week, with mental health first aiders from across the group’s national workforce convened in the tranquil surroundings of the Mullingar Park Hotel, County Westmeath. Inspire’s Therapeutic and Wellbeing Services (TWS) are proud to provide ESB, Ireland’s…
New Research Focuses on Parental Mental Health
A new study published by Barnardos Ireland details the prevalence of mental ill health amongst parents and the impact that this is having on their children. According to the research, 20% of parents say that they are currently experiencing poor mental health, while almost a quarter (23%) report feeling anxious…
Drug Deaths Preventable, says New Study by Queen’s University Belfast
A new report published by Queen’s University Belfast (QUB), which includes research funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), illustrates the extent to which overdose prevention centres (OPCs) can prevent thousands of drug-related deaths. The analysis comes as Northern Ireland continues to face challenges in this…
Digital Innovations at the Heart of DigiFest23
Inspire’s Assistant Director of Insight, Engagement & Innovation, Jenna Thomas, outlines the knowledge and learning gained from her trip to the DigiFest23 event in Glasgow this week. On Thursday 14th December, my colleague, Gillian Cameron, and I were delighted to attend DigiFest23, Scotland’s annual digital health, housing and care event. It…
Looking Forward to the Year Ahead
Start as you mean to go on! As we head into 2024, we want to highlight some key wellbeing tips, which you can reflect upon and then deploy as you meet a brand-new year in the best possible frame of mind. Prioritise your health If you want to clear your…
Your Year in Wellbeing
As we approach the end of December, it’s an important time to take stock of how the past year has gone. Have you kept up with the New Year’s Resolutions you set yourself at the start of 2023? If you can yes to some or all, take time to congratulate…
New Survey Looks at Carer Mental Health
A new survey from Carers NI has revealed the extent to which unpaid carers are experiencing significant levels of mental ill health. The State of Caring 2023 report points out that unpaid caring is a ‘major driver’ of mental illness, with a quarter of respondents describing their mental health as bad or…