Every second Brit mum drinks to beat stress
1 Sep 2008, 1616 Hrs

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London, Sept 1 (ANI): A new survey has found that stress is driving millions of mothers to drink as much as a bottle of wine three or four nights a week.

The survey of 3,000 women for the website Netmums showed that 50 percent of Britain's mothers now drink at home most week nights, with many turning to alcohol as a way to wind down.

Health experts have warned that a significant number of modern mothers are developing drinking habit without considering the consequences on their health.

The survey showed that out of those women who admitted drinking more than the Government guidelines of 14 units of alcohol each week, 81 per cent said they did so to wind down after a stressful day.

The findings were supported by a second survey for the Government's Know Your Limits campaign, which also found that the problem was worse among people of parenting age.

In the survey, 51 per cent of 25 to 44-year-olds said that they drank through stress, compared with just 30 per cent of those over 55.

Experts have warned that sharing a bottle of wine with a partner each day would put both men and women over the recommended daily limit.

"The extent to which modern mums are drinking really surprised us. It shows many are developing a bottle a night habit without thinking about the health consequences," the Daily Express quoted Siobhan Freegard of Netmums, as saying.

GP Dr Sarah Jarvis said: "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 cancer, heart disease and stroke," she added. (ANI)