It's true: working too hard can drive you to drink, said researchers Wednesday who warned of the health risks of such dual excess.
An overview of studies covering more than 400,000 people showed that individuals who exceed 48 working hours per week -- the European Union's suggested maximum -- are likelier to consume "risky" quantities of alcohol, they said.
The paper, published in The BMJ journal, reported that long working hours boosted the likelihood of higher alcohol intake by 11 per cent overall.
People who worked 49-54 hours a week ran a 13-per cent higher risk of developing a "risky alcohol use" habit compared to counterparts who worked a 35-40-hour work week.
Those working 55 hours or more were 12 per cent more at risk.
"Risky" alcohol use was defined as more than 14 units per week for a woman and more than 21 for a man -- levels that have been linked to a higher risk for liver and heart disease, cancer, stroke and mental disorders.
An alcohol unit is the equivalent of a third of a pint of medium-strength beer, half a 175-millilitre (six fluid ounces) glass of red wine with 12 pe rcent alcohol by volume, or a 25 ml-shot of whisky,
The findings add statistical backing to anecdotal evidence for a link between excessive work and alcohol abuse, the authors said.
More than a dozen developed economies were covered by the research, including Belgium, Britain, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan and the United States.
"This meta-analysis supports the longstanding suspicion that among workers subjected to long working hours, alcohol can seem like a fast acting and effective way to dull work-related aches and pains and smooth the transition between work life and home life," Cassandra Okechukwu of the Harvard School of Public Health wrote in an editorial.
Long working hours have previously been linked to cardiovascular disease, depression and anxiety.
The increased risk of developing a "risky" drinking habit from over-work was small in absolute terms, Okechukwu said. Also, having a job was associated with a lower prevalence of alcohol consumption and a higher chance of recovery from alcohol misuse than being unemployed.
Even so, the risk should be taken seriously.
"Any exposure associated with avoidable increases in disease or health damaging behaviour, or both, warrants careful examination," said Okechukwu.
"Indeed, these findings could add impetus to further regulation of working hours as a public health intervention."
10 Things Successful Employees Do Differently
They Are Introspective(01 of10)
Open Image ModalSuccessful employees know how to be introspective. It can be easy to see the strengths and weaknesses of other people you work with, but it's always harder to critique ourselves. If you're having trouble figuring out how you can improve at your workplace, ask a close co-worker or your manager for an honest review. (credit:Shutterstock)
They Are Open-Minded(02 of10)
Open Image ModalYou may sit in a closed-off cubicle all day, but don't let this stop you from meeting and mingling with people in your office. Employees who are successful at what they do are more likely to have work-related and non-work related conversations with people around them. (credit:Shutterstock)
They Are Proactive(03 of10)
Open Image ModalThis may be a given, but people who excel in their workplace know how to get things done. Instead of just doing the day-to-day tasks, they often go above and beyond of what they're asked to do. (credit:Shutterstock)
They Are Aware Of The Outside World(04 of10)
Open Image ModalNot only do they keep up with local and national trends related to their careers, they're also tapped into global trends. Grab a global trend magazine and do a little bit of reading or research over the weekend. (credit:Shutterstock)
They're Always On(05 of10)
Open Image ModalAsk them a question or their thoughts on an issue at the office and they'll give you an answer right on the spot. Because they're fully invested in their jobs, they know both the pros and cons. (credit:Shutterstock)
They're Advocates(06 of10)
Open Image ModalOften, people who are successful at the office don't just speak up for themselves, but act as advocates for others as well. Raises, benefits or even parental leaves are all issues they can advise you on. (credit:Shutterstock)
They Are Genuine(07 of10)
Open Image ModalThey understand the importance of keeping their managers and customers happy. When it comes to getting work done, successful people are always honest. (credit:Shutterstock)
They Are Passionate(08 of10)
Open Image ModalThey love what they do. Period. Successful employees wake up every morning loving what they do more and more. These people not only value their jobs, but realize how much they love doing them. (credit:Shutterstock)
They Are Bold(09 of10)
Open Image ModalSuccessful employees understand the meaning of being bold at the office. To be bold at your office, try writing down a list of things you could accomplish if failing didn't exist and take a jab at them. (credit:Shutterstock)
They Know How To Motivate Others(10 of10)
Open Image ModalThey may seem like they have everything together and for the most part, they do. Not only at they great at their own jobs but they use their skills to help motivate their fellow colleagues. (credit:Shutterstock)