During Women’s Health Month, experts have raised alarms about a significant rise in binge drinking among women, particularly young adults, over the past five years.
For the first time in history, women aged 18 to 25 are binge drinking slightly more than their male counterparts, according to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
Joanne Hawes, director of clinical operations at the Betty Ford Center, explains that biological differences make women more vulnerable to alcohol’s harmful effects.
Women metabolize alcohol differently, causing them to experience health issues such as liver damage, brain atrophy, and heart disease more rapidly than men. Data from Alcoholics Anonymous shows that women now comprise 38% of clients, a figure that has been increasing steadily.
The National Institutes of Health reports that nearly one in three young women aged 18 to 25 binge drink regularly. This trend is especially concerning given that binge drinking is defined as consuming four or more drinks in a short period for women, which exceeds moderate drinking guidelines.
Experts attribute the rise in alcohol abuse among women partly to the stressors of the COVID-19 pandemic. Women balancing remote work, childcare, and homeschooling faced heightened anxiety and depression, often turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism. A study found that alcohol use among women with children under five increased by 323% during the pandemic, with rates remaining elevated five years later.
Dr. Lisa Saul, chief medical officer for women’s health at UnitedHealthcare, highlights the severe health risks associated with increased alcohol consumption. Heavy drinking among women has surged by 41% since the pandemic, significantly raising the risk of cancers linked to alcohol, including breast and colorectal cancer. Alcohol is classified as a carcinogen and is connected to at least six types of cancer.
Health professionals emphasize that even moderate drinking can be harmful. The World Health Organization recently stated that no amount of alcohol is completely safe, and the U.S. Surgeon General advises limiting intake to less than one drink per day to reduce cancer risk.
To combat this growing issue, many employers offer assistance programs to help individuals find treatment for alcohol misuse. The National Institutes of Health also provides resources through its Rethinking Drinking initiative to educate and support those struggling with alcohol use.
In summary, the rise in binge drinking among women, especially young adults, poses serious health risks. Awareness, early screening, and access to treatment are critical to mitigating long-term consequences such as liver disease, cancer, and mental health disorders.
