Our drinking habits are getting desperate

Luton rehab clinic throws problem into sharp focus.

A drug and alcohol rehab clinic based in Luton has looked deep into the drinking habits of British workers and found some alarming results.

PCP, in Rothesay Road, discovered the nation was taking an incredible 27 million alcohol-related sick days each year and estimates a quarter of us have an average of three and half days off because we are too drunk or hung over to do our job.

Among the answers, researchers discovered Brits will spend an average of £23,340 on guzzling booze during their lifetime and 15 per cent consider themselves to be a binge drinker.

The responses to the UK's boozing ways were given in a nationwide survey from more than 4,000 people.

The rehab service, which has a clinic in Luton and another in Spain, commissioned the survey to find out just how much drinking damaged productivity as a result of lost working hours.

Treatment director Darren Rolfe said: "This survey shows just how easily vulnerable people can fall victim to its dangers, getting into a pattern of regular drinking, alone or with others, which can lead to addiction, missed days at work and possibly losing their job."

Among the many truths that came to light was the admission from 16 per cent that they have driven a car knowingly over the limit, 14 per cent hide the amount they drink from worried friends and relatives and 40 per cent know someone close they believe is an alcoholic.

And as many as one-fifth of those quizzed said they also had one or more of the symptoms associated with alcohol addiction, such as hiding booze around the house and skipping work.

"Alcohol is a subtle foe, widely available in places we all go to – pubs, off licences, supermarkets, restaurants and petrol stations, which gives it an air of respectability," Mr Rolfe said.

At any one time, up to 30 people with drink or drug problems come from across the UK to the Luton clinic for a 12-week residential programme where PCP's experts help wean them off their habit and get them on the road to a full recovery.

The PCP boss added: "We want to get as many people as possible, even those who aren't made of money, off alcohol addiction and back into productive lives and careers."

Bedford Today