NEW RESEARCH published today shows doctors use an ‘alcohol multiplier’ and double the number of alcohol units patients claim to consume to get an accurate figure, writes Natasha Smith.
The data, from Direct Line Life Insurance, reveals doctors do not believe the average amount of alcohol patients say they drink.
Doctors apply an ‘alcohol multiplier’ to obtain a more accurate figure as the study showed doctors believed only 40 percent of patients.
30 per cent of young women up to 30 years are likely to underestimate their intake, and 20 percent of patients admitted they exceed the maximum consumption of 14 units (CMO) per week.
The research concludes the most common reason the population misrepresents its alcohol intake is because 20 per cent of those surveyed confessed they did not keep track of how much they drank.
The Business Manager of Direct Line Life Insurance, Jane Morgan, said despite most of us enjoying a drink now and then, it was important to provide the doctor with accurate information to ensure ‘right diagnosis or treatment’.
It is believed many are at risk of ‘liver disease, pancreatitis and other alcohol related conditions’.
Doctors advise 31 per cent of drinkers reduce their consumption despite 63 per cent of drinkers having no plan to reduce their intake.
The NHS recommend anyone concerned about their relationship with alcohol take a trip to the GP.
Visit https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/Alcohol-addiction/LocationSearch/1805 for more information about alcohol addiction or to find local support groups.
