Emotional angst sends Brits to the bottle

[Arwen]

A full third of Britons admit that when they are stressed out or depressed they self medicate with alcohol.

Some 32 per cent said that they drink more when they are feeling down, according to a survey from the charity Samaritans.

This figure is up from a survey by the charity in 2003, in which a quarter of respondents said that they drank when stressed or depressed.

Joe Ferns, director of service support at Samaritans, said: "There can be little doubt that for many people life is more hectic and complicated than it would have been 54 years ago when Samaritans was first set up, but we still need to find a way of looking after our emotional health better.

"Feeling stressed can be a vicious circle. Often the more stressed an individual is, the more they heap pressure on themselves," added Mr Ferns.

MMM why dosent this surprise me, it is just a shame that there are stats like this,but i do understand why people do it i really do

[Setarime]

Been there, done that!!!! Feelin p***ed off with things, had a bad day at work, the first thing you do when you get home is reach for a beer. Usually relaxes you and you realise things aint that bad. I dont see the major problem with one or two if you are fed up or down, but goin out and getting rat-ar**d doesnt solve anything

[Oyabun]

I agree alchohol isin't everything, it is like a stress calmer for people, and to take there minds off for a while and I understand that but I agree with above shouldn't be taken too much just moderately and the person should know when to stop.

[TGLucario]

i agre...when i down....i just carry on with life...not drink beer/milk!