“Balance, the North East Alcohol Office, is launching a major new campaign, believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, to address rising alcohol consumption during COVID-19.

Alcohol – Not the Answer is targeted at people drinking above the chief medical officer’s low risk guidelines, and who research shows are likely to be drinking even more during the pandemic.

These are worrying times, but alcohol is not the answer. Many people have found themselves drinking more during the pandemic – and at levels that can harm health. It is more important than ever before to look after our mental wellbeing and physical health – and cutting back on alcohol can help us do that.

Alcohol can be more harmful than you realise and just a couple of glasses a night can put you at greater risk. The Chief Medical Officer recommends that to keep health risks from alcohol to a low level it is safest not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis.”

Find more from Alcohol – Not the Answer (UK, NOvember 2020)

"The COVID-19 pandemic has been a stressful time for everyone. But can alcohol make us feel more down.” Professor Eilish Gilvarry shares her thoughts on alcohol and mental health. It’s been a tough year, but alcohol is #NotTheAnswer #AlcoholAwarenessWeekhttps://t.co/4rK5RuHcmG pic.twitter.com/8GL4mxBZ2N

— Balance North East (@BalanceNE) November 20, 2020

Only 5% of North East link alcohol to mental health problems. We’re working with @AlcoholChange_UK and local partners to highlight the harms alcohol has on mind and body #NotTheAnswer #AlcoholAwarenessWeek pic.twitter.com/b3nlSEcXJK

— Balance North East (@BalanceNE) November 17, 2020