POPULAR drinking myths are being debunked as part of a campaign to encourage more people dependent on alcohol to get help.

2,725 people living across Wiltshire had to go to hospital for alcohol-related problems between 2016 and 2017 and it is estimated that 3,892 people are alcohol-dependent in Wiltshire.

Figures across the South West revealed that while Poole had the fewest alcohol-related hospital admissions with 970 in the 12-month period, Devon recorded the highest number as 4,894 visits were made. There were 205 alcohol-related deaths in Wiltshire in 2016.

In a bid to help people, Alcohol Change UK has published some common myths around drinking including the belief that it is OK to drink more at weekends - the charity says the weekly 14-unit recommended guidence should be spread over three days. It says another common belief that going to the gym can ‘sweat out’ the alcohol is also wrong - only time will get the booze out of the blood stream.

Ian Keasey, of PHE South West, said:“We know how easy it can be for people to underestimate the amount they are drinking.” It can start with a glass of wine with dinner, then progresses to one while you cook and then one after your meal and suddenly before you know it, you could be exceeding the recommended weekly intake. To get support visit: http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/public-health-drug-and-alcohol.