Binge Drinking and Women

Nearly 14 million women in the U.S. binge drink on average three times a month, according to a study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The problem is increasingly prevalent among girls of high school age, with 1 in 5 admitting that they often drink to excess. Arrests of female drunk drivers is also rising, and an estimated 23,000 women and girls die due to excessive alcohol consumption each year in America, with many more suffering from alcohol-related illnesses and issues.

What is Binge Drinking?

On average, women tend to reach higher blood alcohol levels than men who have consumed the same amount of alcohol, and this is taking into account food consumption, body size and other contributing factors. Therefore, the amount of alcohol which constitutes as a ‘binge drink’ is different for males and females. For men, 5 or more drinks in one sitting counts as a binge, with 4 or more drinks for women.

Women who try to ‘match’ men in their drinking behavior are particularly at risk, as their bodies can’t handle the same amount of alcohol as their male drinking partners.

Why is Female Binge Drinking Rising?

The study from CDC suggests that instances of binge drinking amongst high school girls is strongly linked to peer pressure and the drinking behavior of adult women, by way of social role modelling. Price and availability are also contributing factors, as is marketing of alcoholic beverages, which has become increasingly aimed towards young women. Even though binge drinking is still more prevalent in men, underage women are exposed to higher levels of alcohol marketing in comparison to adult women than underage males are in comparison to adult men.

Women are of course vulnerable to the same health conditions as men who have the same drinking behaviour – such as liver damage, heart disease and reduced cognitive function. However, they are also at risk of problems which are specific to their gender. For example, women who binge drink are at greater risk for violence and sexual assault.  Excessive alcohol consumption among women has also been linked to increased risks of developing breast cancer.  Female binge drinkers can experience issues such as unwanted pregnancies and pregnant women who drink excessively increase their risk of miscarriage or of a low birth weight for their baby.

Treatment for Binge Drinking

Because our treatment center relies on evidence based practices, our Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program shares many common methods with other successful rehab programs.  The foundations of our treatment program for substance abuse also rely on the principles of harm reduction, motivational interviewing, stages of change and cognitive behavioral therapy to promote recovery from alcohol treatment and drug treatment.  In fact, our Intensive Outpatient Program in Memphis, TN that has been proven to be effective in the treatment of alcohol abuse and drug treatment in peer reviewed treatment outcome studies.   Our treatment center  provides services to those who need more treatment than one hour a week, but less than 24 hour care, by providing three hours of treatment per day, three to five days per week, in an intensive outpatient setting.  If you or a loved one is showing signs of alcohol abuse or needs drug treatment rehab, they should be assessed by a trained mental health professional who can help design a treatment plan that can result in recovery.  Treatment for substance abuse can be highly successful.  Call us at 901-682-6136 to schedule an appointment.