Medical expert of the article
New publications
The 50-hour work week increases the risk of alcoholism by 3 times
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Scientists from the University of Otago (New Zealand) argue that a workweek lasting more than 50 hours triples the risk of problems with alcohol.
Researchers analyzed information about the thousand-odd people born in Christchurch in 1977. Observation of these New Zealanders was conducted for 30 years, according to the program Christchurch Health and Development Study.
It was found out that in 25-30 years the subjects had a stable relationship between the amount of working time and problems with alcohol. In other words, the longer a person worked, the more often he consumed excessive alcohol and had a corresponding dependence. Thus, those who worked more than 50 hours a week faced with alcohol problems 1.8-3.3 times more often than the unemployed, and 1.2-1.5 times less than those who devoted work from 30 to 49 hours a week.
The increased risk of alcohol abuse due to hard work was evident in both men and women.
According to the head of the research Sheri Gibb, the finding confirms the need to develop appropriate policies and programs aimed at workers with an extended working week.