As the holiday festivities fade into the background, I find myself confessing to my friends during our morning jogs, “I really need to cut back on the drinking.” I’m feeling drained—poor sleep likely due to my late-night binge of The Office and that one extra glass of merlot.
“Same here,” says Sarah, panting beside me.
“Me three,” chimes in Rachel.
This routine seems too familiar during our workouts, playdates, or even when we’re out for drinks. We often make statements like, “I’m trying to drink mindfully,” or “I could really use a glass of wine while cooking,” or “After a night without drinks, I slept like a baby.” We ponder why, after a long day of parenting, we gravitate toward that bottle of sauvignon blanc.
Our excuses are plentiful:
- Life is stressful.
- It’s our little reward after a chaotic day.
- It helps us unwind.
- It’s a socially acceptable form of self-care.
- It’s become a habit.
- Let’s face it, it tastes good.
- It aids in falling asleep.
- We’re adults, and we can do what we want!
It turns out, I’m not alone in this drinking dilemma. A recent study from the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre at the University of New South Wales found that women are now matching men when it comes to alcohol consumption. This extensive research analyzed over a century of data from 4 million individuals, providing a clearer picture of our liver’s well-being.
Historically, men drank twice as much as women and were three times more likely to experience alcohol-related issues. But women born between 1991 and 2000 have caught up in these categories—not exactly the equality we were hoping for.
The reasons for this surge in female drinking vary, likely influenced by cheaper drinks, targeted marketing towards women, and the rise of trendy concoctions like sangria and pink mimosas. Plus, in today’s world, drinking often feels like the norm. It’s fun, it’s harmless, and everyone seems to be doing it.
So why do I occasionally feel that pang of guilt? Why do I voice my concerns to my friends while we’re trying to be healthy? The reality is, women should limit their alcohol intake to fewer than seven drinks a week; our smaller livers just can’t handle it the same way. According to the National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, heavy drinking can lead to increased risks of cancer, heart disease, and liver cirrhosis for women. We can’t down shots like the guys without facing some serious health consequences.
I’m well aware of the stats and the complex reasons behind this increase in drinking among women. I also know that overindulgence disrupts my sleep, affects my performance the next day, and leaves me questioning if I’m truly prioritizing my well-being.
This year, I’m committing to a pause and taking a close look at my drinking habits. It’s time for some honest self-reflection—for my family, my kids, and my overall life.
If you’re in a similar boat and want to dive deeper into this topic, you can check out one of our other blog posts here. And for more insights on pregnancy, Healthline offers excellent resources. Plus, if you’re considering home insemination, Make a Mom has a great selection of at-home insemination kits that might interest you.
In summary, while women are drinking as much as men, the impact on our health, particularly our liver, is significant. It’s essential to take stock of our habits and prioritize our well-being.