Majority of Brits will try to resist the temptation to drink to excess, claims Drinkaware

Related tags Alcohol education charity Alcoholic beverage

Majority of Brits will try to resist the temptation to drink to excess, claims Drinkaware
The majority (88%) of Brits who drink will take action to resist the temptation to drink to excess this Christmas, reveals new research from alcohol education charity Drinkaware. 

The ICM poll of 4,024 adults over-18 shows that people will attend on average two events in December, drinking 5.5 units of alcohol at each.

This is the equivalent of three glasses of mulled wine or two pints of cider. 

The research also revealed:

  • 44% say they will be eating before drinking
  • 44% say they will drink at their own pace
  • 38% will keep an eye on the amount of drink they’ve had

Over half (53%) say they plan to drink more in December than any other time of the year.  Of those people, over a quarter (27%) admit this is a time of year when they think they can drink alcohol without feeling guilty. Almost half of those who expect to drink more (46%) say that alcohol is hard to avoid as there are more occasions where it is present during the festive period. One in five (20%) also say they drink more because it is encouraged by friends, colleagues and family.

Siobhan McCann, head of campaigns and communications at Drinkaware, says: “For many people, the festive season is a great time to get together with loved ones and celebrate but it can be easy to drink more than you intended. Although on average people say they will be drinking above the guidelines this Christmas, it’s encouraging that many are avoiding the temptation to get carried away.  

“Nobody wants their drinking to be the gossip after the office Christmas party or to argue with their family over a turkey dinner, so most people are taking steps to enjoy themselves while staying in control. Simple tips like eating before your first festive tipple, alternating alcoholic drinks with soft ones and pacing yourself can help you enjoy your holiday to the full without starting 2013 with a hangover.”

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