According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 2 out of three adults in the United States drink alcohol. In 2019, 4% of women had an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Women are more prone to alcoholism than men in general. This is primarily due to their body compositions, but the reasons women drink are so prevalent that it’s difficult to ignore them.
Women and Alcohol by The Numbers
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 74% of women ages 18 years and older drank within the past month compared to 66% of men in that same age group. Furthermore, 34% of women consumed four or more drinks in one sitting at least once in the last year, while only 26% of men did the same.
First, women are more likely to consume alcohol for emotional or stress factors. They’re also likely to have undiagnosed co-occurring mental health disorders that might increase their risk of an alcohol use disorder.
3 Reasons Why Women Drink
Women drink for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common reasons women drink heavily include:
- To feel confident in social situations
- To relieve stress
- To cope with depression and anxiety
However, chronic pain is the leading cause of drinking problems in women. Women are more likely to struggle with chronic pain than men. Still, most of the time, the severity of their symptoms is overlooked by medical professionals, leading many women to self-medicate with alcohol and other drugs.
Another common reason why women drink is mental illness. Over 29 million women in the United States are diagnosed with a mental health disorder every year. Women are twice as likely to experience panic disorders, anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Simultaneously, they’re also three times more likely to attempt suicide, eight times more likely to suffer from anorexia, and almost six times more likely to deal with a binge-eating disorder. These mental health disorders tend to increase the risk of alcohol consumption as a coping mechanism. Unfortunately, it also increases the risk of addiction.
At last, one in every five women will experience a traumatic event in their lifetime. Trauma can cause significant distress, leading someone to use alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Effects of Alcohol On Women’s Bodies
Women tend to feel the effects of alcohol more than men, and it’s not just because they weigh less. Women also have a higher percentage of body fat and less water in their bodies than men. This means that when they drink alcohol, their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) will be higher than if they consume the same amount as a man.
This can make it much easier for women to become intoxicated and much easier for them to suffer from long-term consequences like liver disease and cancer.
Alcoholism is an illness that causes abnormal drinking behaviors, including cravings for alcohol, physical dependence on alcohol, and withdrawal symptoms when not using it. These alcoholism symptoms can lead to addiction and unhealthy socialization.
When to Seek Help for Alcohol Addiction
Unfortunately, alcohol can be highly addictive, mainly when used as a coping mechanism for another issue. It’s so important to learn about the warning signs of alcoholism so you can help someone who might be developing an alcohol problem. Here are the main symptoms to watch out for:
- They are drinking more than they used to
- They are drinking alone or in secret
- They have tried to cut down or quit drinking without success
- They experience withdrawal symptoms whenever they try to stop drinking
- They continue their drinking habits despite negative consequences
If you notice yourself or a woman you love displaying any of these symptoms, consider speaking out. Reach out for help and consult with a medical professional to learn more about rehab options.
There are many reasons why people drink alcohol. Drinking can be a way to celebrate, relieve stress, bond with friends and family, or cope with complex life events. However, drinking can also lead to addiction, trigger depression, and even more. If someone you know is struggling with alcoholism, reach out to them and offer help.
Most of the time, women will conceal their substance use disorders and manage their addiction independently. However, both men and women need professional addiction treatment to address their needs and find long-lasting recovery. Otherwise, they risk experiencing life-threatening withdrawal symptoms or relapse, resulting in overdose. Remember, if you or someone you know is dealing with alcoholism, reach out for help; recovery is possible.
Sources:
https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/women-and-alcohol
https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/womens-health.htm
