Did you know that women’s heavy alcohol use has increased by 58%?
How has Covid-19 impacted levels of alcohol consumption in women?
We’ve all had our ups and downs this year. From being locked inside to being unsure about the future, the stress and anxiety brought on by the pandemic have been apparent, especially when you look at the numbers. Excessive alcohol use has always been a way for people to cope with stress.
The latest research from Harvard shows that there has been a significant increase in alcohol consumption in women since the start of the pandemic.
Women have increased their heavy drinking by a staggering 58%
The # of days women drink “heavily” are up by 41%
There’s been an 84% increase in women’s one-year prevalence of an alcohol use disorder
Women are 2x more likely than men to be affected by depression due to alcohol use
Women with kids under 18 had higher rates of anxiety than men
Compared to men, women reported higher rates of pandemic-related changes in productivity, sleep, mood, health-related worries, and frustrations with not being able to do enjoyable activities.
Why the discrepancy in alcohol consumption in women?
Over the last years, alcohol consumption in women has been climbing steadily. The pandemic just sped things up a bit. Why?
Women have been more likely to shoulder the burden of household tasks, caregiving, and child-rearing than men.
Stay-at-home orders to stop transmission of COVID-19 led to decreased childcare support and the additional burden of remote schooling.
Norms around female alcohol consumption have been changing over recent years, and the alcohol industry’s targeted marketing to women has had an impact.
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Why should the increase in alcohol consumption in women be a cause for concern?
Women absorb and metabolize alcohol differently than men, therefore are more susceptible to the negative physical consequences of alcohol, including liver disease, heart disease, and cognitive impairment.
It’s estimated that ⅓ of breast cancer cases could be prevented if women avoid heavy drinking, stay active and maintain a healthy weight.
Heavy alcohol use contributes to partner violence, and the pandemic has created a dangerous situation of high stress, increased alcohol use, and decreased escape options for women living with an abusive partner.
How can women create healthier drinking habits?
Finding healthy coping strategies to deal with the stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic will be important for women to prioritize in order to avoid going down the dark path of alcohol addiction. Drawing the line between use and abuse is key.
Making sure you are getting enough sleep, exercise, and eating well can all help. Social distancing also should not mean social isolation. Make sure you are making time for friends, family, and loved ones.
Boredom also leads to alcohol use. Therefore, maintaining a routine and filling your day with activities that keep you busy and get your wheels turning can help you from turning to booze as a solution.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) current guidelines for alcohol consumption state that safe alcohol consumption is no more than one standard drink per day, and no more than seven in one week for women (a standard drink is 5 ounces of wine; 1.5 ounces of spirits; 12 ounces of beer).
If things have gotten out of control… there is help.
If you are struggling with alcohol abuse, now is the time to get help. You can take back control with the right tools to help you get on your feet again.
We offer both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs. Learn more about our inpatient treatment here, and our outpatient treatment here.
