MIDDLE-CLASS professionals are risking serious health problems by using alcohol as a reward or a means of stress relief, new research has revealed.

Despite the common perception that young people are most affected by alcohol, new research identifies white collar workers as the most guilty of alcohol abuse.

The Sunderland University research concludes that a complete overhaul of public health messages is needed to give a more realistic picture of those affected by alcohol.

The research analysed the drinking habits and the reasons for drinking among five different groups of workers in the public and private sectors, aged between 21 and 55.

Researchers found that white collar workers, are "largely disregarding the harmful health and social effects" of drinking alcohol.

They found that those middle-class workers who drank at home viewed alcohol as a reward for everyday chores or to alleviate stress.

The respondents believed that the "problem drinkers" did not include stay-at-home evening drinkers.

Instead, the report says that in future public health messages should focus on a typical person and the damages that can happen to their long-term health, and not solely crime or disorder.

Dr Lyn Brierley-Jones, research fellow at Sunderland University, said: "These home drinkers don't see their drinking pattern as problematic, but evidence suggests that such regular drinking will lead to significant health problems later in life, and a major health burden for the NHS."

The Government currently advises men not to regularly exceed 3-4 units of alcohol (per day) (equivalent to a pint and a half of 4 per cent beer) and 2-3 units of alcohol for women (175ml glass of wine).

Elaine Hindal, chief executive of charity, Drinkaware, said: "Drinkers should monitor their intake and seek personalised advice to cut down. They can do so at drinkaware.co.uk."