Scientists from Stockholm University have discovered a connection between the need to care for a child and alcoholism in men. It turned out that alcohol addiction decreased in fathers who had to constantly take care of their children. In this respect reports EvrekAlert.
Researchers examined the effects of the parental leave policy that began in Sweden in 1995. The program provided men with 30 days of maternity leave. As a result, the proportion of fathers taking on childcare responsibility increased from 43% to 75%.
The analysis showed that the number of people hospitalized for excessive alcohol consumption decreased immediately after the program began. Additionally, hospitalizations were stopped for nearly a third of fathers who took maternity leave within two years of the child’s birth. Many men adhered to a healthy lifestyle until the child reached adulthood.
The study could serve as an incentive for changes in family policy in Sweden and other countries, the researchers said. Researchers believe that paternity leave not only supports the equal participation of men and women in children’s lives, but also helps reduce alcohol abuse.
Previous scientists made a connection Between climate change and alcoholism.