According to a recent study, the drinking habits of middle-aged mothers in the U.K are of grave concern to experts in the field, with many identifying a worrying trend among mothers whose children have left home.
The YouGov study, which was funded by drugs firm Lundbeck, established that the vast majority of women involved in the study were oblivious to the implications of their drinking habits, with 95% asserting they were not concerned about their alcohol consumption.
The poll established that middle-aged mothers were becoming the "fastest-growing group of hazardous drinkers", with 25% admitting their consumption has increased since their children have left home and 40% revealing they drink more than their adult children.
Commenting on the findings, GP and medical adviser to charity DrinkAware, Dr. Sarah Jarvis said: "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."
"Women in this age group seem to be drinking more alcohol, more regularly - whether at home alone or out socialising," she continued highlighting the startling figures contained within the study.
Reflecting on the womens' lack of concern with regards the issue, Dr. Jarvis continued: "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 survey, which enlisted the responses of 500 mothers over the age of 45, suggested that 'empty nest' syndrome exacerbated many womens' drinking habits.
