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Long work hours linked to hazardous drinking
By Melita KielyPeople who work more than 48 hours-a-week are at greater risk of increasing their alcohol intake to dangerous levels, new research has revealed.
Working more than 48 hours-a-week could lead to dangerous levels of alcohol consumptionFinnish researchers studied 333,696 people from 14 different countries and concluded that those who worked longer hours were 11% more likely to drink more alcohol.
Researchers discovered that female professionals on long hours were at higher risk of drinking at least two glasses of wine each night, while for men on long hours, this risk was approximately three pints.
In the UK, the NHS recommends women should drink no more than three to four units in a day (approximately two pints) and women no more than two to three units (a large glass of wine).
There was no evidence to suggest any differences between men and women by age, socioeconomic status or religion.
“Individuals whose working hours exceed standard recommendations are more likely to increase their alcohol use to levels that pose a health risk,” said Dr Marianna Virtanen, of the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health and lead author of the study, which was published in the British Medical Journal.
“At risk alcohol use has previously been associated with cirrhosis, cancers, seizure disorders and stroke.
“Possible explanations for the association between long working hours and risky alcohol use might involve the work environment as well as individual characteristics.
“One view is that alcohol alleviates stress that is caused by work pressure and working conditions.”
Employees in EU countries have the right to work no more than 48 hours in a week thanks to the European Union Working Time Directive (EUWT).
On Tuesday, a study suggested alcohol adverts were effectively communicating to consumers that alcohol is “essential to relaxation”.