While the number of men with alcohol use disorder exceeds the number of women, research from a 2022 national survey indicates that women may be narrowing the margin. The National Library of Medicine indicates that among adults, alcohol use is increasing for women but not necessarily for men, making many curious what has brought on this change.
Alcohol affects everyone differently, yes. But biologically, alcohol affects women sooner and in smaller amounts due to differences in body composition and metabolism. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines binge drinking as anything that brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08% or more. Women typically reach that number by drinking four drinks in two hours, while men usually require five or more. Even if a man and woman who are the same weight, drink the same amount of alcohol, the woman will typically have a higher BAC because women naturally have less water in their bodies and produce less alcohol-degrading enzymes.
Even when drinking less, alcohol stays in a woman’s system longer, making them more susceptible to liver damage, heart disease, and alcohol-related brain changes such as memory loss, cognitive impairment, and shrinkage. Alcohol has also been linked to breast cancer as the leading modifiable risk factor.
The role of alcohol in the social aspect of women’s lives has increased over the years compared to previous generations. Women are drinking more frequently and openly as “wine moms” are trending, bottomless brunches are a staple, and girls’ nights out are encouraged. Today, a woman’s social life is not only encouraged, but promoted as a sign of taking care of yourself, which can glamourize the idea of drinking.
Many people turn to alcohol to self-medicate when experiencing depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Because women are twice as likely to experience depression as men, they are at a greater risk of turning to alcohol to cope. A study conducted by the CDC showed that one in ten women in the United States reported symptoms of major depression in the span of a year.
Advertising and marketing for alcohol has been increasingly geared towards women over the past two decades. Social media has exacerbated the tactic with lifestyle branding that targets audiences through algorithms. Many low-calorie drinks, seltzers, and flavored vodkas have been designed specifically to appeal to the female audience, which has contributed to the rise in casual and habitual drinking among women of all ages.
What starts as casual or social drinking can quietly spiral into a serious problem before you even realize it. Over time, the body builds tolerance, the brain begins to associate alcohol with relief or reward, and drinking becomes more frequent or necessary to cope. Without warning, what was once “just a drink to unwind” or “a drink with the girls” can escalate to dependence which can impact health, relationships, and daily life. Socialize responsibly and be aware there are signs of drinking too much.
If you or a woman in your life is struggling, Hickory Recovery Network is available 24/7 at 800-604-2117 for confidential, no-obligation support. Recovery isn’t just possible — it’s powerful.
