Theo Nash
Alcohol consumption in the United States has been a topic of interest for researchers and public health officials. While men have traditionally consumed more alcohol than women, the gender gap in alcohol use has narrowed over time. According to recent surveys, around 61% of women in the United States consume alcohol, with variations across age groups and ethnicities. Binge drinking, defined as consuming four or more drinks on one occasion for women, is also prevalent among women, particularly in their 20s. Understanding alcohol consumption patterns among women is crucial for developing targeted interventions and addressing alcohol-related harms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of women in the US who consume alcohol | 61% (2025), 57% (2025), 64% (2016) |
| Percentage of women who have ever consumed alcohol | 78.1% (2023) |
| Percentage of women who drink beer | 18% (2025) |
| Percentage of women who drink wine | 31% (2025) |
| Percentage of women who drink liquor | 27% (2025) |
| Percentage of women who drink moderately | 15.5% (2018) |
| Percentage of women who drink lightly | 45.7% (2018) |
| Percentage of women who drink heavily | 5.2% (2018) |
| Percentage of women who are heavy drinkers and aged 65 and over | 4.1% (2018) |
| Percentage of women who are heavy drinkers and are non-Hispanic white | 5.2% (2018) |
| Percentage of women who are heavy drinkers and are non-Hispanic black | 3.3% (2018) |
| Percentage of women who are heavy drinkers and are non-Hispanic Asian | 3.7% (2018) |
| Percentage of women who are heavy drinkers and are Hispanic | 4.5% (2018) |
| Percentage of women who experienced harm due to someone else's alcohol use | 21% |
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What You'll Learn
Alcohol consumption rates
Age is another factor influencing alcohol consumption rates. Drinking is more prevalent among younger adults, with 60% of individuals aged 18 to 29 reporting alcohol consumption, compared to 54% of those aged 65 and older. Binge drinking, defined as consuming five or more drinks for men and four or more drinks for women on a single occasion, is most common among adults in their 20s. In 2023, 31.1% of those aged 18 to 20 and 61% of those aged 26 to 29 were current alcohol drinkers, with the latter group also exhibiting the highest rates of binge drinking.
Alcohol consumption patterns also differ across racial and ethnic groups. White adults aged 18 and older are more likely to consume alcohol compared to Hispanic adults (68% vs. 59%) and Black adults (50%). However, when it comes to binge drinking, it is more prevalent among Hispanics and Whites than other races or ethnicities.
Income and education levels also play a role in alcohol consumption rates. Higher-income individuals with an annual household income of $100,000 or more are more likely to consume alcohol (81%) compared to those with incomes under $40,000 (44%). Additionally, college graduates report higher rates of alcohol consumption than those without a college degree.
Overall, the average number of drinks consumed by Americans has decreased over time. In 2022, drinkers reported an average of four drinks per week, while regular drinkers, defined as those who had at least one drink in the past week, averaged six drinks per week. The latest average number of weekly drinks, as of 2025, is 3.6 drinks, with 34% reporting no drinks in the past week and 13% consuming eight or more drinks.
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Binge drinking
Women in the United States are not exempt from the dangers and consequences of binge drinking. In fact, for the first time in history, women are binge drinking more than men. Studies show that among US women who drink, about one in four has engaged in binge drinking in the past month. This averages about three binge episodes per month and five drinks per binge episode. These trends are particularly concerning as women are at an increased risk for health problems related to alcohol misuse.
Women who engage in binge drinking face higher risks of hangovers, blackouts, liver disease, alcohol-induced cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. Alcohol-related visits to the emergency room for women have also increased significantly. The rise in binge drinking among women may be attributed to various factors, including increased stress, the influence of marketing, and the use of alcohol as a coping mechanism. Research suggests that drinking to cope with stress and anxiety, rather than for pleasure, increases the risk of developing alcohol use disorder.
The consequences of binge drinking extend beyond the individual. Binge drinking is costly to society, with researchers estimating that it accounted for $191.1 billion of the $249 billion economic cost of alcohol misuse in 2010. Additionally, repeated episodes of binge drinking during adolescence can alter brain development and cause deficits in social, attention, memory, and other cognitive functions. Binge drinking among older adults is also a concern due to potential interactions with medications and increased susceptibility to alcohol-related falls and injuries.
Overall, binge drinking among women in the United States is a pressing issue that requires attention and intervention. The risks and consequences of binge drinking are significant, and the impact extends beyond the individual to society as a whole. It is important for women to be aware of the dangers of binge drinking and to seek treatment if needed, as alcohol overuse can have lasting social, financial, and health consequences.
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Alcohol-related harm
Alcohol misuse is associated with a range of harmful health and social effects for women in the United States. Research shows that alcohol misuse among women is increasing, and women who drink are at a higher risk of certain alcohol-related problems compared to men.
Health Risks
Women who consume alcohol are at risk of various health issues, including liver disease, certain cancers, high blood pressure, heart disease, digestive problems, and a weakened immune system. Alcohol use increases the risk of breast cancer, with nearly 500,000 new cases reported annually in the United States. Even low levels of alcohol consumption, such as 10 to 15 grams per day, are associated with a higher risk. Additionally, alcohol misuse can lead to brain function abnormalities, with studies showing that teen girls who binge drink exhibit worse memory performance and reduced brain activity compared to their peers who drink lightly or abstain.
Women who engage in heavy drinking, defined as consuming more than seven drinks per week, are at an increased risk of alcohol use disorders, suicide, interpersonal violence, traffic injuries, adverse birth outcomes, and infectious diseases. Alcohol can also negatively impact mental health, contributing to issues such as depression and anxiety.
Social Risks
Heavy drinking, especially binge drinking, is associated with a higher risk of sexual assault and other types of violence against women. Alcohol impairs coordination, attention, and judgment, increasing the likelihood of car crashes and other accidents. In the United States, alcohol-related car crashes claim nearly 40 lives each day. Alcohol misuse can also lead to job loss and relationship issues.
Unique Vulnerabilities
Women may experience alcohol-related problems sooner and at lower drinking levels than men due to biological differences. Women typically have lower body weight and less body water than men, resulting in higher blood alcohol concentrations and an increased risk of harm. Studies indicate that women are more likely to experience hangovers and alcohol-induced blackouts at comparable doses of alcohol as men. Additionally, women have experienced larger increases in alcohol-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths over the past two decades.
It is important for women to be aware of these health and social risks associated with alcohol consumption to make informed decisions about their alcohol intake. While drinking in moderation may be acceptable for some, others may choose to abstain completely to mitigate these risks.
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Treatment for alcohol use
According to a Gallup poll, 61% of women in the United States consume alcohol, compared to 66% of men. Alcohol consumption is more common among younger adults, with 60% of 18- to 29-year-olds and 71% of 21- to 29-year-olds reporting that they drink. Binge drinking is defined as consuming four or more drinks on one occasion for women and five or more drinks for men, and it is most common among adults in their 20s.
In the United States, alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects more than 5 million adult women, or 4.2% of the adult female population. This percentage is lower than that of adult men (8.4%), but among adolescents, more females meet the criteria for current AUD (2.7% vs. 2.3%). Research has suggested that treatment outcomes for women with AUD are best when provided in women-only programs that include female-specific content.
Medication
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has approved naltrexone and acamprosate as treatments for alcohol use disorder. Topiramate and gabapentin can also help reduce cravings in some individuals.
Therapy and Support Groups
Therapy and support groups can help individuals with AUD connect with others who understand their situation and provide a source of social support. Studies show that most people with AUD recover, either by reducing their alcohol consumption or quitting drinking altogether. However, relapse is common, especially when individuals are coping with stressful events. It is important to talk to a healthcare provider if you are feeling stressed and think you may be at risk of relapsing.
Treatment Programs
Treatment programs for women with AUD may include providing childcare, prenatal care, treatment for co-occurring psychological problems, and supplemental social services. These additional services can help reduce the barriers that women face in accessing treatment and improve their chances of successful recovery.
Hotlines and Referral Services
Hotlines such as SAMHSA's National Helpline offer free, confidential support and referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations for individuals and families facing substance use disorders. These services are available 24/7 and can be accessed via phone, text, or online.
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Preferred alcoholic beverages
Alcohol consumption among women in the United States varies according to age, income, and other factors. In 2025, 61% of women reported consuming alcohol occasionally, compared to 66% of men. Drinking is more common among younger adults, with 60% of those aged 18-29 reporting alcohol consumption, compared to 54% of those aged 65 and older.
When it comes to preferred alcoholic beverages, women in the United States exhibit diverse choices. Here is an overview of some popular alcoholic drinks among women:
Wine
Wine is a preferred alcoholic beverage for many women in the United States. It is particularly favoured by older drinkers, with a plurality of college graduates opting for wine as their drink of choice. Income also plays a role in wine preference, as upper-income drinkers are more likely to choose wine over other beverages. Wine has been steadily gaining popularity, and in 2022, it was reported to be the second most popular drink after beer, with 31% of drinkers choosing it as their preferred option.
Beer
While beer is traditionally associated with men, a significant number of women in the United States also enjoy this beverage. Beer is more popular among younger drinkers, and those from lower- and middle-income groups. In 2022, 35% of drinkers overall chose beer as their preferred drink, only slightly higher than the preference for wine.
Liquor
Liquor, which includes distilled spirits such as vodka, whiskey, and gin, has been gaining popularity among women in the United States. In 2022, 30% of drinkers reported liquor as their preferred beverage, marking a new high in its consumption.
Cocktails
Cocktails, which are mixed drinks typically containing liquor and other ingredients, are also a popular choice among women. Cocktails offer a wide variety of flavours, colours, and presentations, making them appealing to those who enjoy a more elaborate drinking experience.
Spirits with lower alcohol content
Some women in the United States may prefer alcoholic beverages with lower alcohol content, such as hard seltzers, flavoured alcoholic beverages, or low-alcohol wines. These drinks offer a more moderate drinking experience while still providing a variety of flavours and refreshment.
It is important to note that while alcohol consumption can be a part of social and cultural life, excessive drinking can lead to adverse health effects and increased risk of alcohol-related disorders and injuries. Responsible drinking and moderation are crucial to maintaining a healthy relationship with alcohol.
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Frequently asked questions
According to a 2023 survey, 78.1% of women aged 12 and older in the US reported drinking alcohol at some point in their lifetime. Another source states that 57% of women in the US drink alcohol, compared to 63% of men.
Men are more likely to consume alcohol than women in the US. In 2016, 54% of men and 32% of women aged 15 and older consumed alcohol worldwide. However, the gender gap in alcohol consumption has narrowed over time.
Women in the US are more likely to drink wine than men, with wine being the preferred choice for older drinkers and those with a college degree. Beer and liquor are more popular among younger drinkers. Binge drinking, defined as consuming four or more drinks on one occasion for women, is most common among women in their 20s.
