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When I was heavily drinking, I could easily keep pace with my friends, regardless of their gender. I was a high-functioning, seemingly “happy” drunk who expertly concealed the amount of alcohol I consumed. Looking back, I realize that this numbness never equated to true happiness. My ability to remain composed while drinking helped mask the seriousness of my issue and even impressed the cisgender men I spent time with. Matching their drinks without any signs of distress made me an enjoyable drinking companion.
To clarify, I wasn’t seeking admiration; I was trying to escape numerous emotions and the labels that came with them, including the female identity assigned to me at birth. Research indicates that typically, cisgender women drink less than cisgender men, but recent trends show a concerning shift. Women are now consuming alcohol at rates comparable to men.
In recent years, the ratio of alcohol consumption between genders for risky drinking patterns has changed from 3 to 1 to nearly equal. Studies have documented this narrowing gap and revealed that women are not only matching men’s drinking habits socially but also engaging in hazardous behaviors like binge drinking and daily alcohol abuse. A 2019 study highlighted that women, particularly in their teenage years and early 20s, are drinking more than their male counterparts.
Understanding the Shift
So, why is this happening? Research suggests that women often drink to cope, unlike men. The societal pressure for women to “have it all” brings with it a plethora of challenges, often without the support men receive in their pursuits. While discussions about gender equality continue, it’s evident that men still enjoy most of the privilege. The pandemic further illuminated how much women—especially those in relationships—are expected to shoulder responsibilities like parenting and household management, often while working. The stress has led many women to turn to alcohol as a form of relief.
However, this relief is an illusion. Alcohol can exacerbate anxiety, creating a vicious cycle that leads to increased consumption, accompanied by feelings of shame and depression. I know this cycle all too well. Moreover, the rise in alcohol consumption among women is having dire consequences for physical health. Dr. Sarah Miller, a liver specialist, reports a 30% increase in cases of alcoholic liver disease at her hospital over the past year. She notes, “We’re observing younger patients in their late 20s and early 30s with conditions we once thought were limited to middle-aged individuals.” Data shows that from 2006 to 2014, there was a 70% increase in alcohol-related emergency room visits for women compared to 58% for men.
The Health Risks
Although I don’t identify as female, the health of my liver is assessed based on its “female” size. Both liver health and other organ functionality are influenced by body weight and hydration levels. Dr. Miller explains, “The body’s response to alcohol is determined by body composition, including fat-to-water ratios and the distribution of enzymes responsible for alcohol metabolism. This differs between women and men.” If your assigned gender at birth is female, you face a heightened risk of liver disease, even when consuming the same amount of alcohol as someone assigned male at birth, and you may develop the disease sooner.
Having been sober for nearly four years, I’m grateful that I didn’t inflict irreversible damage on my liver. I continue to grapple with the guilt from my drinking days while seeking healthier coping mechanisms. Like many others—particularly mothers—I struggled to ask for help. It’s challenging to acknowledge a problem when alcohol is often suggested as a solution.
- Feeling stressed? Grab a drink!
- Have kids? You need a drink!
- Overwhelmed? Let’s have a drink or three!
- Feeling sad? A beer will cheer you up.
- Nervous? Pour some liquid courage!
I wish I possessed the ability to drink responsibly. I wish I could enjoy a drink without it amplifying my problems, but instead, I succumbed to the socially acceptable act of self-medication. The stigma surrounding addiction, combined with the judgment faced by parents who struggle with substance use, makes it daunting to admit needing assistance. Yet, I assure you, seeking help is worthwhile. I had to confront my toxic relationship with alcohol before I could initiate change. It took several attempts before I finally stopped drinking. Each attempt didn’t become easier; rather, it became increasingly challenging to ignore the struggle to abstain. Acknowledging that struggle was essential for my commitment to sobriety.
Evaluating Your Relationship with Alcohol
When was the last time you evaluated your relationship with alcohol? Have you consulted with a healthcare professional about your mental and physical well-being? If you’re concerned about your drinking, reach out to a friend, loved one, or professional. You can also explore resources like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for confidential support. They offer a hotline and a service directory to assist you in finding the right help in your area.
I won’t guarantee an easy journey, but honest conversations about your drinking habits can pave the way for necessary changes toward a more authentic life. For further insights, check out this related post on intracervicalinsemination.com, and for expert guidance on home insemination, visit Make a Mom.
Summary
The article discusses the alarming trend of women drinking as much as men, highlighting the shift in alcohol consumption patterns and the coping mechanisms women often employ to handle stress. It emphasizes the health risks associated with increased alcohol consumption, particularly for women, and encourages readers to evaluate their drinking habits and seek support if needed.