One million Scots are laying off the booze for the lockdown – but the same number report they are drinking more after the tightening of social distancing measures.

Polling by charities Alcohol Focus Scotland and Alcohol Change UK suggests more than a million adults in Scotland have reduced how often they drink or stopped drinking altogether, while the same proportion are drinking more frequently.

Many of those who have cut down their drinking say this has had a positive impact with more than a quarter reporting improvements to their mental health, and around a third saying their physical health has been better.

Other benefits reported include increasing productivity, feeling more energised and having a better night’s sleep.

However one in five of those who have been drinking more in the last few weeks say this is having a negative impact.

More than four in ten said drinking more has led to reduced quality of sleep and energy levels, while 29% say their mental health has gotten worse and 23% report it has negatively impacted their physical health.

The charities say that worryingly, 29% of people who drank four or more times a week before lockdown report drinking more.

Alison Douglas, chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland, said: “It’s positive to see many people taking active steps to manage their drinking such as having alcohol-free days, not buying a lot of alcohol at one time or stopping completely. But it’s those who are greatest risk who are finding it harder to cut down.

“We’re dealing with unprecedented levels of change and we’re all trying our best to adjust to the new circumstances we find ourselves in. It is understandable that we may be feeling more stressed and worried than usual.

“Many people drink alcohol to relax, forget their problems and combat feelings of stress, but as many people are seeing, it’s not always the best coping mechanism. As well as affecting our sleep, drinking alcohol can make more difficult to manage our negative thoughts and feelings and increase our levels of anxiety.

“Over the longer term, regularly drinking over 14 units a week can cause more serious health problems, increasing our risk of cancer, stroke and liver disease.

“If you are drinking at home, it’s a good idea to try and keep track of how much you’re having, stay within the low-risk limits of 14 units a week and try to make sure you have alcohol-free days.

And, if you need support, there is lots available on-line and by phone, including from We are with you and Alcoholics Anonymous, who are running virtual support groups.”

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