As reported on Larder, Drinkaware announced this August, a new collaboration with Tesco and Heineken® 0.0, offering in-person Drinking Checks at stores throughout the UK.
Trained staff will be present in 50 Tesco locations nationwide, encouraging shoppers to participate in the Drinking Check.
This straightforward online quiz, which takes merely three minutes to complete, provides a drinking risk score and helps individuals assess whether their alcohol consumption may be jeopardising their health. It also offers guidance and support for those who may need to reduce their intake.
According to the Chief Medical Officer’s low-risk guidelines, it is recommended to consume no more than 14 units of alcohol per week, spread over three or more days, with several alcohol-free days.
Customers who complete the Drinking Check will receive a complimentary sample of Heineken® 0.0. Opting for alcohol-free beers is becoming an increasingly popular method for individuals to moderate their drinking habits.
Karen Tyrell, Chief Executive of the charity Drinkaware, said: “It’s great to partner with Tesco and HEINEKEN as part of our campaign to get more people to check their drinking.
“Many of us regularly check our blood pressure and cholesterol, but research shows that two-thirds (66%) of adult drinkers in the UK, an estimated 30 million people, have never been asked to check their drinking.
“The Drinking Check is free, and with the support of trained staff in Tesco stores, a quick and easy way to find out if your drinking is putting your health at risk.”
Oonagh Turnbull, Head of Health Campaigns at Tesco, said: “This partnership with Drinkaware is a great way for our customers to learn more about their drinking habits.
“The option to try Heineken® 0.0 is another bonus for customers; we have seen huge growth in the sale of No and Low beer and cider this summer, especially during the recent European football tournament with demand even topping that for Dry January.”
Guy Mason, Head of Responsibility at HEINEKEN UK, said: “Partnering with Drinkaware and Tesco on this important campaign supports our commitment to responsible drinking – ‘Always a choice’. Heineken® 0.0 provides a great option for those looking to moderate their drinking without compromising.
“By completing the Drinking Check, customers can gain valuable insights into their drinking habits and take a positive step towards their wellbeing.
“We’re proud to offer a free sample of Heineken® 0.0 as a way to encourage more people to explore alcohol-free alternatives as part of a balanced lifestyle.”
To take the free Drinkaware Drinking Check online today, visit: www.drinkaware.co.uk
The Drinking Check
The Drinking Check is grounded in the internationally recognised World Health Organisation (WHO) Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), which is utilised by medical professionals globally to assess the risk of alcohol-related issues, including alcohol dependence.
How does the Drinking Check work?
The test consists of ten multiple-choice questions addressing various aspects of your alcohol consumption, such as:
- The number of alcohol units you typically consume in a day
- Whether you can cease drinking once started, or feel the need for a drink in the morning
- Experiencing memory lapses from the previous night, or sustaining injuries
Each response is scored from 0 to 4, reflecting the level of risk indicated by your answer. The scores are summed to yield a total score between 0 and 40—the higher the score, the greater the likelihood of risky or harmful drinking behaviour.
What do the different scores mean?
- 0 to 7 indicates lower risk
- 8 to 15 indicates increasing risk
- 16 to 19 indicates higher risk
- 20 or more suggests possible dependence
It is important to note that the score from any AUDIT test is not a diagnosis. It may indicate the presence of a potential alcohol use disorder, but a healthcare professional can provide advice that considers other relevant factors, such as age, sex, and genetic predispositions.
