Middle classes ‘drinking to ease stress’

A study by Sunderland University has found that middle class workers and parents are using alcohol as a means of stress relief.

The study analysed the drinking habits and reasons of five groups of public and private sector workers aged between 21 and 55. The groups discussed their drinking patterns including how much they drank at home and in professional situations.

According to the research middle class workers view alcohol as a reward for things like looking after their children and cooking dinner.

One participant told the researchers: “I drink one, because I’ve had a stressful day at work, two because I’ve had a stressful day at home, I have four children so what I do is children things and so then when I do get the kids off to bed sometimes it’s nice to have a drink because it actually makes you feel like an adult again.”

Another volunteer added: “I am fully aware of all the information and fully aware of what I should be doing and what I shouldn’t be doing and how I should drink and when I should drink, but I am making a choice. I’ve seen all the education, I don’t think I drink excessively but if you put me on a scale according to the Government I am off the scale.”

Research fellow Dr Lyn Brierley-Jones said: “Our research showed a common perception among some middle-class groups that regularly drinking at home, particularly wine, is safe and sensible, even though such drinking regularly takes them over the recommended daily guidelines.

“These home drinkers don’t see their drinking pattern as problematic, but evidence suggests such regular drinking will lead to significant health problems later in life, and a major health burden for the NHS.”

The report comes as former Conservative MP Louise Mensch, in an interview with the Daily Telegraph, said that she was “self medicating” for stress, with a regular glass of wine after work.