Drink abuse figures 'too conservative', Alcohol Concern claims

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by Change | 1 Dec 2008

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Figures on alcohol addiction are likely to be "too conservative" as problem drinkers are more likely to conceal the amount they consume, an expert claims.

The tendency for people with an alcohol addiction to conceal their consumption could mean current estimates on their number are "too conservative", a charity asserts.

Dan Shenkar, the chief executive of Alcohol Concern, claims existing figures which suggest one million Brits are dependant on drink could be an understatement.

Suggesting the implementation of general practitioner (GP) codes could allow a more accurate assessment, he says this would allow them to be referred to a rehab programme.

He says a short questionnaire which 'screens' patients for alcohol addiction could allow diagnosis to be accelerated, while training for nurses would also increase the likelihood of identifying those with a problem.

Mr Shenkar states there are groups among which the condition is harder to detect, as while younger generations are more likely to see the behaviour as acceptable, those who are older may see a stigma attached to the practice.

A recent survey conducted by the Know Your Limits campaign has found 39 per cent of those with a high level of consumption lie to their doctors about the quantity they drink.

In comparison, only four per cent of those who drink an average amount conceal the alcohol they imbibe each week.

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