The app uses photo-manipulation technology and combines a person’s picture with details of their drinking habits to reveal the changes that would take place in their looks after 10 years.
Auriole Price, who designed the app, said: “The main aim is to shock people into drinking just a little bit less. We are appealing to people’s vanity as the effects of alcohol can include red, broken veins on the cheeks, bloodshot eyes, a bloated face and deeper wrinkles.”
The Scottish Government’s campaign encourages women aged 31 to 50 to consider using smaller glasses. Office Official estimates suggest one in every 30 deaths among women is alcohol-related.
Health secretary Nicola Sturgeon said, “Everyone is aware that bold action is needed to tackle Scotland’s unhealthy relationship with alcohol. The impact of our consumption is estimated to cost £3.56billion each year.
“Doctors, nurses, the police, academics and politicians, as well as growing numbers of the general population, have recognised the harm alcohol is doing to our communities and the benefit minimum pricing will bring – saving lives and reducing crime,” she added.
The Drinking Time Machine app is available for free at www.drinksmarter.org throughout February. Just download the app to your mobile phone, upload a current photo of yourself and follow the instructions.