Why are women drinking more than ever?

With increased temptation to drink at Christmas, Closer speaks to two women whose alcoholism destroyed their lives

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by Closer staff |
Published on

While many people might assume teenagers and 20-somethings will be the ones drinking unhealthy amounts this Christmas, shock new statistics have revealed middle-aged mums are most at risk.

Last week, a study showed one in three mothers drink more alcohol than their grown-up children, with 90 per cent shrugging off health dangers.

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The festive season sees a sharp rise, with alcohol flowing at parties and gatherings.

Shockingly, research shows alcohol consumption in Britain increases by 40 per cent in December and almost half of women are expected to drink over the recommended guideline of14 units a week.

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One mum who knows the dangers of excessive drinking is Emma Bushen, 35. She's now been teetotal for four yearrs, but at the height of her addiction, the single mum-of-three downed a litre of vodka a day.

Emma says: "When I was in the grip of addiction, Christmas used to be an excuse to drink. It was a stressful time so I turned to alcohol to cope. My drink problem started after having my second child in my early 20s. I'd have a small vodka just to relax me, but then it spiralled."

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