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A 50-hour work week increases the risk of alcoholism 3-fold
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 30.06.2025
Scientists from the University of Otago (New Zealand) claim that a work week lasting more than 50 hours triples the risk of developing alcohol problems.
The researchers analysed information on more than 1,000 people born in Christchurch in 1977. These New Zealanders were followed for 30 years as part of the Christchurch Health and Development Study.
It turned out that at the age of 25–30, the subjects had a stable connection between the amount of working time and problems with alcohol. In other words, the longer a person worked, the more often he consumed alcohol immoderately and had a corresponding addiction. Thus, those who worked more than 50 hours a week encountered alcohol problems 1.8–3.3 times more often than the unemployed, and 1.2–1.5 times more often than those who devoted 30 to 49 hours a week to work.
The increased risk of alcohol abuse due to heavy work was evident in both men and women.
The findings highlight the need for policies and programs aimed at workers working long hours, said study leader Sheri Gibb.