The British Beer & Pub Association, using figures from Oxford Partnership, reported that almost six million pints were sold during England's World Cup match against Mexico (Monday 6 July), with an estimated 1.25 million more pints sold compared to a typical Sunday. This underlies the significant role alcohol often plays during major sporting events.
For many people, sharing a drink with friends and family is part of enjoying football tournaments and celebrating important moments. However, because alcohol is so deeply woven into social occasions, it can sometimes be harder to recognise when drinking habits are becoming dangerous. Major sporting events may be particularly challenging for people living with alcohol dependence, those in recovery, or anyone already feeling concerned about their drinking.
Alcohol dependence is a mental illness and excessive drinking can worsen existing mental health conditions. It may also interfere with some prescribed medications, either increasing side-effects or reducing effectiveness. As well as contributing to anxiety, depression and disrupted sleep, alcohol can impair memory, contribute to financial difficulties, interfere with work or studies and increase the likelihood of violence. These effects can be devastating for individuals and their families.
Professor Owen Bowden-Jones CBE, Registrar of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said:
"Having a celebratory drink is often a major part of how many people socialise and mark major sporting occasions, but it can sometimes be difficult to recognise when alcohol is starting to negatively affect our health and wellbeing.
"Alcohol misuse can have a serious impact on both physical and mental health. Signs that your use of alcohol may be becoming a problem can include regularly drinking more than you intend, finding it difficult to cut down, using alcohol to cope with stress or difficult emotions, or noticing that drinking is affecting relationships, work or day-to-day life.
"We know that stigma remains a significant barrier for people experiencing problems with alcohol and too many people still struggle in silence because they are worried about being judged. No one should feel ashamed about asking for help, whether they are concerned about their own drinking, or that of a friend or family member.
“The earlier people seek help, the better the outcomes are likely to be, and we would encourage anyone who is worried about their drinking, or a loved one’s drinking, to seek advice and support.”
For more information about alcohol and the effects it can have on our mental health and where to find support, visit: Alcohol, mental health and the brain