Mental health articles

Gender and drinking

Problem drinking is typically seen as a ‘man’s’ problem. It is true that the majority of problem drinkers are men. However, women are also vulnerable. In many societies, problem drinking is becoming commoner in women. Drinking can affect women differently from men:

• Women are more vulnerable to the poisonous effects of alcohol; his is why the ‘safe’ levels of drinking are lower for women.

• During pregnancy drinking can lead to serious problems in the unborn child, such as mental retardation and birth defects.

• Because of the shame associated with drinking, women tend to drink at home. They are unlikely to discuss this with a health worker and so are less likely to receive help for their problem.

• Because of the gender-related stresses women face, they are vulnerable to start drinking as a way of coping.

• Women who have male partners who drink heavily may suffer physical and emotional violence from them.

Tags: drinking, gender