Slump may hit alcohol intake

CONSUMPTION of alcohol in the Lothians may drop by as much as a tenth because of the recession, local health chiefs have said.

As a result, the strain on health services could be lessened and the overall wellbeing of the population would improve. The forecast came in NHS Lothian's new Planning for the Future document.

Board members were told that the economic downturn could have mixed affects on drinking.

"People may drink less and associated adverse effects may also reduce, or at least rise more slowly," the paper stated.

"However, there may not be a reduction in alcohol-related harm because some people may binge drink and require support to address this."