Christmas is a time of year that is notorious for Brits drinking a little too much, in fact, a recent study revealed that almost two-thirds (61%) of drinkers in the UK over-indulge in alcohol over the festive season.

But with the current cost of living crisis how much are our festive drinking habits costing us?

As part of a new report, the research team at Private Rehab Clinic Delamere, have crunched the numbers to reveal how much brits are spending on alcohol each week over the Christmas period.

According to the findings, those who binge drink over the festive season by consuming 22 units or more a week, will spend a whopping £62.55 on wine, while those who drink beer will spend £41.20.

For those that tend to drink cocktails and spirits during Christmas, the data revealed that they will spend £50 and £51 a week respectively. 

If you’re worried that you might be taking your drinking habits a little too far this Christmas, the team of experts at Delamere has compiled a list of common signs that individuals worried about either their own drinking habits or those of a loved one can look out for.

Signs and symptoms of a functioning alcoholic include: 

• Frequent intoxication and smelling of alcohol
• Loss of control around alcohol use
• Hiding alcohol in strange places such as their garage, at the office, in bushes or in their car
• Drinking between work times or appointments, or drinking just enough to keep their alcohol levels topped up if they are alcohol dependent
• Frequent binge drinking after daily responsibilities are taken care of
• Justifying their drinking as a way of unwinding after work, a busy day with the kids or as a reward
• Becoming irritable, anxious, restless and unable to sleep if they are unable to drink
• Regularly drinking in the morning before going about their day, or at odd times of the day such as lunchtime in order to avoid alcohol withdrawal symptoms
• Always drinking at social events and ‘preloading’ prior to attending a social event
• Avoiding social events or activities that do not involve alcohol
• Alcohol has become a problem at home, with them either drinking excessively alone at home or disappearing to a pub or bar straight after work for hours
• Becoming defensive or flippant when challenged over their drinking
• Denying they are an alcoholic, reasoning that they still hold down a job or take the kids to school on time
• Alternating alcohol and prescription pills in order that they can function
• They may become erratic, spontaneous, angry or change their character completely whilst intoxicated
• Difficulty in recalling events that took place whilst heavily intoxicated – experiencing an alcoholic blackout
• Risk-taking, they may well drive to work or drive children to school whilst still over the limit from the previous night or from taking a morning drink