A GP is warning that surgeries may soon see an influx of people in their 30s and 40s seeking treatment for excessive alcohol consumption.
It comes as a study for the Department of Health (DH) found people in that age range are worse at sticking to alcohol limits than drinkers in their 20s.
Almost half (44%) of 30 to 50-year-olds confessed to drinking too much, compared with 40% of 18 to 29-year-olds.
And one in three of the 30 to 50-year-old group said drinking too much alcohol has ruined a good time on at least one occasion in the past year.
Nearly half also admitted that excessive drinking has resulted in a hangover that left them unable to function properly the next day.
Dr Sarah Jarvis said: “You often hear people saying they feel worse after drinking the older they get.
“As you age, the body isn’t as good at dealing with alcohol.
“This survey shows that many people find it difficult to stop once they’ve started drinking.
“The answer is easy – don’t start if you think you may lose control.”
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