Last January, the British government announced new guidelines for alcohol consumption that had a drastic effect on the UK’s 40 million drinkers. Aiming to bring male and female drinking limits in line with each other, the new recommendations for men were cut by a third – equivalent to around seven pints of beer per week.
These startling figures may appear alarming, but they are a reflection of the growing awareness that excessive alcohol consumption has proven health risks. With this goal in mind, it is worth taking a look at the BBC documentary ‘Drinkers Like Me’, which zooms into the lives of several British adults who rely heavily on alcohol as an escape from their daily routines. The film explores how these people have become dependent on booze and how their lives have been affected by it.
The documentary brings together personal stories with cold hard facts to depict an honest picture of what happens when drinking spirals out of control. There are interviews with leading academics, medical professionals and campaigners which highlight how easy it is to over-indulge without realising it and how drastically our bodies can be impacted if we do not monitor our intake properly. By delving into the real-life experiences of those affected by alcohol abuse, viewers are reminded that anyone can fall victim to dependency – regardless of age or gender – and steps must be taken to ensure it does not spiral out of control.
Overall, ‘Drinkers Like Me’ is essential viewing for anyone looking to educate themselves about responsible drinking habits and get a glimpse into how others have struggled with addiction in Britain today. This thought-provoking documentary offers valuable insight into why we should all consider following the new guidelines released by the British government last year and highlights why moderation is key when it comes to our wellbeing.
