NEARLY 400,000 people in the North-East have been drinking more since Covid with the majority at levels likely to put their health at risk, according to the latest research.

Balance, the North-East alcohol office, which has released the latest figures, has launched a new campaign aimed at reversing a worrying trend seen across the region and the country.

A survey from October 2 found that nearly one in five people (18.6 per cent) in the region (around 397,640 people) are drinking more since Covid. Of those 79 per cent are increasing and high risk drinkers.

The campaign run by Balance, is funded by the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care System and by local authority public health teams across the North East.

Colin Shevills, director of Balance, said: “The last eight months have been a worrying and stressful time, but using alcohol to cope is not the answer. We all need to be as fit and resilient as we can be right now for ourselves and our families.

“It may be shocking but the World Health Organisation has warned that alcohol can harm the body’s immune system, meaning there may be an increased risk from the virus. This is about a right to know.

“We are encouraging people to take more drink free days and try to stay within no more than 14 units a week. Keeping alcohol in check is an important way to protect our overall health and fitness for the time when we emerge from this crisis.”

Dr James Crosbie, a GP and consultant gastroenterologist at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It is very worrying that we have seen an increase in people drinking at high risk levels and this campaign is a timely wake up call.

“People are understandably worried about money, jobs, and the impact on families from Covid, and in these sorts of times alcohol use can creep up. I think many people recognise that our relationship with alcohol has become more unhealthy and dangerous over the last eight months.

“With alcohol there are short and long-term risks. Alcohol is a depressant, associated with low mood, depression and anxiety which can have an impact on wellbeing, family and work.

“Alcohol affects the immune system and makes us more susceptible to infections like coronavirus."

A routine visit to the GP gave hairdresser Graham Carter, 59, the wakeup call he needed to make changes to his lifestyle, including cutting down on alcohol.

Graham, who lives in Sunderland, is backing Balance’s campaign to highlight the health harms of alcohol. He said: “A few years ago, I went along to my GP for a routine annual check-up. When my blood test results came back, they showed early signs of a pre-fatty liver – an indication that I could have problems with my liver in the future or that I could get diabetes. Although I was reassured it was an early sign, it gave me a shock.

“Drinking alcohol had become a daily habit. I decided to make some changes and cut down on alcohol, so I stopped drinking on work nights. I stuck to a couple of glasses only at the weekend and started to feel fitter and healthier.”

Last year, Graham underwent surgery to remove his gall bladder but was rushed back into hospital a few days later when he had a heart attack. The shock of his heart attack has made him even more determined to keep up a healthy lifestyle. “Before my health scares, I thought I was invincible. I know a lot of people say the same, but I genuinely never thought it would happen to me.

“Although I have recovered from my heart attack and I’m feeling much better, it’s on my mind and I want to do all I can to be around for my family. I believe my old lifestyle had an impact on my health. I did like a drink, but I don’t miss it now. I feel healthier, brighter and more alert, and I’m more productive at work.”