Nearly one in four young UK professionals consider themselves to have a 'drink problem'

28 per cent of men and 21 per cent of women said that they had 'issues'

28 per cent of men and 21 per cent of women said that they had 'issues' (PA)

24 per cent of young professionals in the UK would consider themselves to have a “drinking problem” according to a recent survey.

The survey was carried out by Opinium Research and found that, of professionals between the ages of 18-24, 28 per cent of men believed they had issues with alcohol, whilst 21 per cent of women said the same.

The poll, which questioned 4,000 UK adults overall, found that 35 per of 18 to 24 year-olds said that they had got so drunk they could not remember the majority of their night out and 18 per cent admitted that they had nights where they could not recall how they returned home.

One in 20 admitted to driving themselves home whilst drunk and one in ten said that they had got into a car with someone who they knew to be intoxicated.

James Endersby, managing director of Opinium Research said: “Many of us enjoy a drink and in moderation it can be an important part of socialising and relaxation for most people.

“However, it is clear that many, particularly the young and those in professional jobs, drink regularly and in excess; and as our study shows, often with dangerous repercussions that impact their health, well-being, security and friendships in many cases.”

Nearly half (47 per cent) of young professionals believed that it was acceptable to regularly get drunk on a night out compared to 21 per cent of the population on average.

75 per cent of those polled believed that Britain has a heavy drinking culture whilst 23 per cent believed alcohol to be more harmful to their health than smoking.

Alistair Bohm, head of communications at drug and alcohol treatment charity Addaction, said: “Problems with alcohol use can affect people of any age, from any background.

“As these statistics show, it’s not just people who are addicted to alcohol who are damaging their health or risking their safety as a result of drinking.

“If a person is worried about their drinking, the best thing to do is speak to their doctor, or find their nearest addiction centre.”

The survey also found that over half of those questioned (53 per cent), believe the NHS should refrain from treating people who continue to abuse alcohol after repeat warning about their health, whilst a similar number (54 per cent) believe that it is not acceptable to drink whilst pregnant.