A BOLTON rehab residential centre has had a "large increase" in the number of calls it usually receives during the health crisis.

Acquiesce, based on All Saints Street, treats people for alcohol and drug misuse and gambling addiction.

With many people's daily routine – including their employment status – affected by the situation, some have turned to drinking, drug-taking and betting.

Last month, a survey of 2,010 people by Alcohol Change UK found one in 14 people said their own or someone else’s drinking had made stress levels in their household worse since the lockdown began on March 23.

Acquiesce has had a spike in reports about people binge drinking in recent weeks.

Service manager Danielle Robinson said: "There's been a large increase about calls of drinking and drug use.

"The main calls we have are related to alcohol and binge drinking.

"We are finding that obviously it is a fearful time for anybody with anxiety and stress and people are using alcohol and drugs as a way of dealing with it.

"People are also isolated and bored."

Relatives have become more aware of unhealthy addictions too.

"Family members have noticed that loved ones are drinking more and using drugs," Danielle said.

"They are becoming more aware of what they are doing.

"A lot of the time people will try to keep it under wraps.

"When they go to work they manage to keep things on a level.

"But it seems to be helping people get the help they need. These discussions are coming up.

"Because some people are not in work, they are taking an opportunity and thinking 'you know what I am, going to do some work on myself and do some recovery'.

"They are taking a step back and using the time wisely.

"If there is something positive to come out of all of this, it is that people are becoming more aware.

"A lot of families have been encouraging and pro-active."

Acquiesce, which has been operating for four years, and has had clients from across the world, has suspended its day rehab service due to current social distancing restrictions.

But staff are keeping in touch with service users by phone and the centre is still open for its residential clients.

For more information contact 01204 771940 or click here.