Spouses obstruct Dry January efforts, poll finds

Partners sabotage each other’s attempts to cut down on drinking, with men worse than women, according to new research from alcohol education charity Drinkaware.

Only three in five couples said that if their partner wanted to cut down they would drink less to help them

Research by Drinkaware found that in couples where both people drink above the low-risk guidelines, only three in five – equivalent to 57% – said that if their partner wanted to cut down they would drink less to help them.

In addition, 33% of men said they are more likely to suggest one more drink when their partner might stop, compared to just 15% of women.

More than a quarter of women say they would drink less if it wasn’t for their partner – while just 16% of men said the same.

Of those polled, 26% of women are “concerned” about the effects of alcohol on their partner’s health, compared to 21% of men.

However, 35% of couples polled say providing moral support and encouragement to their partner will help them keep their alcohol consumption low – and 26% said having their partner’s support would help them.

“We know that couples who are planning a health regime together fare better when they really support each other,” said Drinkaware’s chief executive Elaine Hindal.

“It is sometimes difficult to stay on track on healthy plans but the Drinkaware app can really help make a difference especially if you’re trying to make up for the extra pounds gained over the festive period.”