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UK Survey Finds Stress Leads To Drinking

Posted on: Wednesday, 3 September 2008, 08:40 CDT

A new survey in the U.K. found stress led half of 25 to 44 year olds to drink. Experts said levels increased during the holiday season and when children returned to school in the fall.

The government's Know Your Limits alcohol campaign sponsored the poll. It found 42% of all drinkers - 45% of men and 40% of women – consumed alcohol to cope with stress. That’s compared with people in the over 55s age group, where 30% cited this reason. Overall, 75% drank at least once a week with a quarter hitting the bottle at least four times a week.

The research backs up another poll of 3,000 mothers by the Netmums website.

That study found that 49% of mothers consumed alcohol at home at least three or four nights a week.

Experts said if a couple shared a bottle of wine they would both be put over the recommended daily limit.

Siobhan Freegard, of Netmums, said, "The extent to which this research showed modern moms are drinking really surprised us.”

"It shows many moms and dads are developing a 'bottle a night' habit without really thinking about the health consequences. “

"Getting used to juggling work and home life again after the summer break can be stressful for parents, but it's important not to allow yourself to slip back into the routine of relying on alcohol to help you unwind."

Dr. Sarah Jarvis, with the “Home Office and Department of Health” Know Your Limits campaign noted, “If you're returning to work, turning to the bottle can actually increase your stress levels.

"Try exercise or a nice warm bath to unwind instead. Regularly exceeding the guideline alcohol limits can increase your risk of several forms of cancer, heart disease and stroke."

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On the Net:

• Home Office
• Netmums
• Know Your Limits Campaign

Source: redOrbit Staff & Wire Reports

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