Alcoholism: Are American Women Overtaking Men?

Alcohol consumption has long been a male-dominated activity, with men consuming more alcohol and experiencing and causing more alcohol-related injuries and deaths than women. However, the gender gap in drinking is narrowing, with women in their 30s and 40s, in particular, drinking more than their male counterparts. This shift has raised concerns about the unique health risks associated with alcohol consumption for women, as research suggests that women's bodies are affected differently by alcohol than men's bodies.

Binge drinking

Historically, men have always consumed more alcohol than women, but that gap has been closing over the past few decades. Data from 2021 shows that women are now drinking more than men for the first time. This is particularly true for young women, with studies showing that women in their teens and early 20s are drinking and getting drunk at higher rates than their male peers. This trend is also observed among college-aged women, who are leading the pack in terms of alcohol consumption. The gender gap in binge drinking is also closing, with young women between 18 and 25 years old binge drinking slightly more than men of the same age.

There are several possible reasons for the rise in binge drinking among women. One theory suggests that women may be drinking to cope with stress and anxiety, especially during the pandemic. Studies have found that women are more likely to report increased drinking during stressful periods. Additionally, marketing strategies targeting women with attractive packaging and Instagram-worthy designs may have contributed to the normalisation of problem drinking among women.

The consequences of binge drinking are more severe for women than for men. Women who drink are at an increased risk of breast cancer, immune system disorders, fertility problems, early menopause, and disturbances to the foetus if they are pregnant. Even small amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and aneurysms. Women are also more susceptible to alcohol-induced liver inflammation, cardiovascular disease, memory blackouts, and certain cancers.

While men are still more likely to die from alcohol-related diseases, the gap is narrowing. Recent figures show a 35% increase in alcohol-related deaths among women and a 27% increase among men. Prevention strategies and treatment options are necessary to address the unique health risks associated with binge drinking in women.

Alcohol-related health complications

Alcohol is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, contributing to about 4.3 million emergency department visits and over 178,000 deaths in the US each year. Even low levels of alcohol consumption can lead to health complications, including certain cancers and cardiovascular risks. The specific health complications associated with alcohol consumption include:

• Cancers: Alcohol is a carcinogen associated with cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, colon, rectum, liver, and female breast. The risk of breast cancer rises with less than one drink per day, and each additional glass boosts the rates further.
• Cardiovascular Issues: Alcohol consumption increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and aneurysms.
• Immune System Disorders: Alcohol weakens the immune system, increasing the chances of infections and decreasing wound and post-operative healing.
• Endocrine System Disturbances: Heavy alcohol use can cause disturbances in the endocrine system, including the thyroid, adrenal glands, gonads, pancreas, and adipose tissue. This can contribute to endocrine-related health conditions such as diabetes, thyroid diseases, dyslipidemia, and reproductive dysfunction.
• Mental Health: Excessive alcohol use is associated with mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and memory problems, including dementia. It can also worsen existing mental health issues and increase the risk of suicide.
• Injuries: Alcohol consumption increases the risk of motor vehicle crashes, falls, drownings, and burns.
• Fertility and Pregnancy: Alcohol consumption can lead to fertility problems and early menopause. Drinking during pregnancy can put the child at risk of physical, mental, and behavioral problems.
• Liver Disease: Long-term alcohol consumption can have a detrimental impact on the liver, leading to conditions such as liver disease and liver failure.
• Other Health Complications: Alcohol consumption is also associated with digestive problems, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, recurrent lung infections, and sleep problems.

While men are more likely to abuse alcohol or become dependent on it, the gender gap in drinking is narrowing, and alcohol-related complications in women are rising. Women are more susceptible to the health consequences of heavy drinking, developing moderate to severe problems in a shorter period. Additionally, women are less likely to seek professional help for alcohol-related issues, possibly due to social stigma or discomfort discussing sensitive topics in a co-ed setting.

Alcohol-related deaths

Alcohol is a leading preventable cause of death in the United States. In 2020-2021, excessive alcohol use led to about 178,307 deaths per year, a 29.3% increase from 2016-2017. This resulted in a total of about 4 million years of potential life lost. About two-thirds of alcohol-related deaths (117,000 deaths) were from chronic conditions, including liver disease, heart disease, and various cancers. Another one-third of alcohol-related deaths (61,000 deaths) were from binge drinking or drinking too much on one occasion.

While men still consume more alcohol and experience more alcohol-related injuries and deaths than women, the gap is narrowing. In 2020-2021, deaths from excessive alcohol use among males increased by 26.8% to 119,606, while deaths among females increased by 34.7% to 58,701. Alcohol-related deaths for white women more than doubled during the period from 1999 to 2015.

The increase in alcohol-related deaths among women may be attributable to several factors. Firstly, drinking culture in the US has become more permissive, and women may view alcohol as a less dangerous way to destress compared to hard drugs. Secondly, the normalization of problem drinking among women, fueled by attractive packaging and marketing targeted specifically at women, has contributed to the rise. Additionally, the opioid epidemic may play a role, as people tend to abuse multiple substances simultaneously.

Alcohol marketing and women

Alcohol consumption has long been a male-dominated activity. However, in recent years, the gender gap in drinking has narrowed, with alcohol-related complications in women on the rise. This trend has been fuelled by the increase in marketing and growth in the alcohol market targeting women.

The alcohol industry has increasingly turned its attention to female buyers, with marketing strategies that harness the fact that women want to retain their identities as they go through various life changes. Research by Carol Emslie, a professor of substance use and misuse, found that many women viewed drinking as a way to "show their identity beyond the responsibilities associated with being a woman in midlife". Getting together for a few drinks after work to relax and laugh was especially important for them.

Alcohol companies have capitalized on this desire by using gendered stereotypes and tropes in their marketing to convince women to buy their products. This includes the use of gendered colours like pink, slimness, weight, messages of sisterhood, motherhood, and sexiness. For example, "chick beer" comes in pink packaging with fewer calories, while cocktails are often marketed with pastel colours to appeal to women on Instagram. Booze with names like "Mummy's Time Out" targets mothers, and even clothing stores are cashing in, offering t-shirts with slogans like "wine time".

Social media influencers have also played a significant role in the feminisation of alcohol marketing, creating intimacy, relatability, and trust with their followers. Influencers have promoted alcohol through brand sponsorships and collaborations, normalising drinking as an important component of femininity and a means to "do" feminist practices.

The impact of alcohol marketing on mothers is an area of particular concern, with concepts like "mummy juice" and "wine o'clock" linking alcohol to how busy women navigate anxiety. This has led to concerns that alcohol is being used as an acceptable form of self-medication and stress release by women.

While the increase in female-focused marketing is unsurprising given the rise in women's socioeconomic power, it is essential to consider the potential consequences. Alcohol use and related harms are more prevalent among men, but the narrowing of the gender gap has been observed in recent years. As such, prevention strategies that address the unique health risks associated with alcohol consumption for women are needed.

Seeking help for alcohol abuse

While men in the US still consume more alcohol and experience more alcohol-related injuries and fatalities than women, the gender gap in drinking is narrowing. Alcohol-related complications in women are rising, and alcohol-induced health issues such as liver inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers are more prevalent in women than in men.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol abuse, seeking professional help is crucial. Here are some steps and resources to consider when seeking help for alcohol abuse:

Recognize the Problem

The first step is to acknowledge that alcohol has become a problem in your life or the life of someone you care about. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a common medical condition characterized by an inability to stop drinking, even when it negatively impacts health, safety, and personal relationships. Recognizing the signs of AUD and understanding its impact on your life is essential for motivating yourself or your loved one to seek help.

Find the Right Treatment

Treatment for alcohol abuse can vary depending on individual needs. It often includes medication and behavioral therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps individuals identify feelings and situations that contribute to heavy drinking and develop strategies to manage stress and avoid triggers. Other treatment options include online self-guided programs, 12-step programs, support groups, and individual or group counseling. It is important to find a treatment program that addresses your specific needs and provides ongoing support to prevent relapses.

Seek Professional Help

Professional help is available through various organizations and hotlines. SAMHSA's National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP or 4357 in the US) offers a free, confidential referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and substance use disorders. They also provide a text messaging service (text your ZIP code to 435748) for confidential treatment referrals. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) is another valuable resource for information on treatment options and finding help.

Get Support

Recovery from alcohol abuse is a journey that often involves managing cravings and triggers. Exercise is a great way to manage stress and reduce cravings. Knowing your triggers and developing strategies to cope with situations that might trigger alcohol misuse is essential. Support groups, therapy, and ongoing follow-up with a treatment provider can provide ongoing support and help adjust treatment plans as needed.

Address Mental Health Issues

Alcohol abuse often co-occurs with mental health issues. It is important to address mental health concerns alongside alcohol treatment. Therapy and medication can help manage any underlying mental health conditions that may be contributing to alcohol abuse.

Remember, seeking help for alcohol abuse is a courageous step towards taking control of your life and improving your well-being.

Frequently asked questions