A website which aims to combat alcohol misuse recorded an almost 300% increase in visitors in December 2018 compared to December 2017.

The Drinkaware website provides evidence-based information on alcohol, including a drinks calculator, which allows you to see the impact of your drinking on your health and bank balance.

Last month, over 110,500 people visited the site - a 299% increase when compared to the same month in 2017, when just over 27,700 people visited.

Meanwhile, use of the drinks calculator also jumped significantly, from 8,613 visits in December 2017, to 89,248 in December 2018.

"The recent threefold increase in the number of people taking the time to visit the Drinkaware website is a signal that attitudes and behaviours are shifting. People are actively looking for information, tools and tips to understand and change their drinking habits," commented Drinkaware CEO, Sheena Horgan.

She noted that according to figures from the OECD, there has been a slight decrease in the average amount of alcohol consumed by Irish adults every year (10.9 litres versus 11 litres). However, she emphasised that while progress is small, it is ‘moving in the right direction'.

"Irish adults are becoming more mindful about the way they consume alcohol and we have reason to believe this will continue," Ms Horgan said.

According to the HSE's low-risk alcohol guidelines, men should be drinking no more than 17 standard drinks spread out over a week, while women should be drinking no more than 11 standard drinks. Everyone should allow for at least two alcohol-free days per week.

A standard drink is a half pint of lager, beer or stout, a small glass of wine (100ml) or a pub measure of spirits (35.5ml).

For more information on Drinkaware, click here. The Drinkaware drinks calculator is available here