Middle-aged mothers are UK’s ‘hidden’ drinkers

A new study has revealed middle-aged mothers are the “fastest-growing group of hazardous drinkers”, with two-fifths drinking as much or more than their grown-up children.

Middle-aged mothers are the “fastest-growing group of hazardous drinkers”, says a new report

A quarter of mothers polled by YouGov say they have increased their alcohol intake since their children moved out, with 28% admitting they drink more than their children and 14% saying they drank broadly as much.

Results of the survey, which questioned 500 mothers over 45 whose children had left home, found the women do not tend to get drunk, but because they drink every day their weekly intake can far surpass the recommended amount.

In total, 95% of those surveyed were not worried about their level of drinking and did not believe it was impairing their health.

London GP Dr Sarah Jarvis, a medical adviser to charity Drinkaware, told the Daily Mail: “Whilst many believe it is the 20-somethings who are drinking too much, we are actually seeing an epidemic amongst British women aged 45 to 64.

“This is the fastest-growing group of hazardous drinkers who are putting their health at risk.

“Women in this age group seem to be drinking more alcohol, more regularly – whether at home alone or out socialising. Many are unaware that a couple of glasses of wine each day can cause as much, if not more, damage than the binge drinking associated with many university students.”

The research was funded by drugs firm Lundbeck, which makes medication that reduces the desire for alcohol.

Earlier this month, researchers found that most women undergoing breast cancer screenings are “unaware” that their risk of developing the disease is linked to alcohol consumption.