People who like working much, drink as hard as they work, say the scientists, carrying out the largest ever study of working patterns and alcohol finds. Scientists published their research in British Medical Journal.

They generilized data of more than 330 thousand people received from 61 studies from 14 countries, including the US, UK, Australia and Germany. It was found out that additional working hours cause depression, stress and problems with sleeping. Scientists say, alcohol allows to 'stay away' from such results.

In EU the standard norm of working time is 40 hours a week. In case a working week lasts 48 hours, people are more likely to be heavy drinkers for 11%. And if working time lasts 49-54 hours a week, the likelihood to start drinking at "risky" levels, increases for 13%.

This situation is more salient among men.

Researchers mention that the ratio, discovered by them, doesn't depend on the geographical, social and economic status of people.

In addition to the most apparent reason for the described phenomenon (by the help of alcohol people try to get rid of post working stress) scientists mention ''good work, a good rest'' culture, encouraging the risky behavior of businessmen who like to work much. They also claim that the big quantity of working hours leads sedentary lifestyle besides high alcohol use and stress.