THE region’s heavy drinkers feel the dangerous effects of alcohol more if they are from a poor background than a wealthy one.

A medical study found that the poorest people in society are at the greatest risk of illness or death because of alcohol consumption.

The findings, published in medical journal The Lancet Public Health yesterday, show a strong link between socioeconomic status and the damage caused by excess alcohol - describing heavy drinking as ‘disproportionately harmful’ to the deprived.

Heavy drinkers in the North’s disadvantaged areas are around 11 times more likely to die, go to hospital or need prescriptions for alcohol related conditions than light drinkers.

In advantaged areas they are seven times more at risk.

It has long been recognised that deprived areas will see high levels of harm due to alcohol, despite residents being less likely to drink for various reasons such as affordability.

The authors of this latest report found people from poor backgrounds most at risk even when lifestyle factors such as smoking and obesity were considered.

Dr Vittal Katikireddi, of the University of Glasgow, led the research which was based on health statistics of more than 50,000 people.

He said: “Our study finds that the poorest in society are at greater risk of alcohol’s harmful impacts on health, but this is not because they are drinking more or more often binge drinking.

“Experiencing poverty may impact on health, not only through leading an unhealthy lifestyle but also as a direct consequence of poor material circumstances and psychosocial stresses.

“Poverty may, therefore, reduce resilience to disease, predisposing people to greater health harms of alcohol.”

Study co-author Dr Elise Whitley added: “Heavier drinking is associated with greater alcohol-related harm in all individuals.

“However, our study suggests that the harm is greater in those living in poorer areas or who have a lower income, fewer qualifications or a manual occupation.”