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?
Mental Health on the Agenda at King’s College London
Inspire’s Policy & Campaigns Office, Matthew Coyle, reflects on his recent trip to King’s College London and the knowledge gained at the ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health’s annual conference. I had the privilege earlier this month of attending the ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health’s third annual conference in…
Healthy Organisations Commit to Person-Centred Wellbeing
Employment takes up a good deal of our time. According to the Office of National Statistics, the average UK worker spends over 36 hours in work every week; in Ireland, that figure is 38.5. On World Mental Health Day, understand the effect that wellbeing washing can have on workers and…
On World Mental Health Day, Here’s How to Avoid Wellbeing Washing
As we count down to World Mental Health Day on 10th October, Inspire’s focus is very much on our ‘Don’t Wellbeing Wash’ campaign. Wellbeing washing is similar to green washing, its arguably more infamous cousin. It describes a company or organisational ethos that focus more on the illusion of staff…
World Mental Health Day: Don’t Wellbeing Wash
World Mental Health Day (WMHD), which takes place every year on 10th October, offers us all an opportunity to gather and talk about mental health, demonstrating to everyone that this is a subject worthy of open, honest discussion and explanation. In 2024, Inspire is marking WMHD by highlighting the important issue…
Government Action on Work-Life Balance a Positive Sign
The UK Government has announced plans to introduce new codes of practice for businesses, which are aimed at tackling burnout and codifying a right to switch off. This follows on from Labour’s campaign pledge to empower workers, providing them with the freedom to disconnect from their jobs outside regular hours and…
Line Managers are Key to Workplace Wellbeing
According to new research published by Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Nottingham, strong links exist between positive business performance and mental health training for line managers. Furthermore, the analysis of workforce practices suggests that recognising this, and acting on it, could save organisations millions every year. The study…
Workplace Conflicts Require Proactive Approach
Discord between colleagues is not unusual. The average workplace brings together individuals from different walks of life, people with distinct characteristics, objectives, points of view and ways of doing things. Quarrels are bound to develop from time to time. They can, however, have a significant impact on an organisation’s productivity,…
CIPD Conference Stresses Authentic, Empathetic Leadership
Inspire\'s Noelle Higgins, Business Development Manager – Therapeutic Services reflects on the recent CIPD conference and research. My colleague Jonathan Cody and I recently took the opportunity to head to the CIPD conference at the RDS, enjoying a day away from our e-mails and catching up with a range of…
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,…