MOMMY JUICE
In the U.S. alone the rates of alcohol abuse among women have skyrocketed in the past decade.
In the book Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol, Ann Dowsett Johnston combines
in-depth research into the shocking yet little recognized epidemic threatening society today with the rise of risky drinking among women and girls. There have been alcohol related marketing strategies and product targeting exclusively to women in the last decade.
A study in, The Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, found that a quarter of young women in their freshman year said they had been sexually victimized. The more they drank, the higher the likelihood of sexual assault. This is a startling statistic! Yet our culture continues to over-glamorize alcohol especially for girls and women.
Many studies have shown a strong connection between childhood trauma or emotional neglect to be associated with eventual drinking problems. In other words, the greater the childhood abuse or neglect, the more severe adult drinking problems. Studies also show the higher the rate of depression and anxiety the greater use of alcohol.
Fluctuating hormone levels also mean that the intoxicating effect of alcohol set in faster when estrogen levels are high. Women’s hormonal chemistry means they become dependent on alcohol much faster than men. According to the NHS, health experts stated that alcohol consumption is rising among individual’s over 50. This is frightening because alcohol contributes to diseases such as liver inflammation, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s and a litany of caners.
Did you know female alcohol use disorder in the U.S. increase by 83.7% from 2002 to 2013 according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
I recently read on a popular bloggers site, (Momsieblog) where the owner of the site Dana Bowman wrote, “My affair with alcohol hit its lowest point when I had children,” she said. “And this is a common story, I think, amongst moms. The monotony, the chaos, the mess— a glass of wine smoothed all that out and tucked my babies in just fine.” Many mom’s report they have used alcohol to mask the pain of postpartum depression, hormonal shifts, anxiety, and more.
So here is the question, What do you think is behind the rise in women’s problem drinking?
How much do you feel you are personally affected by advertising or the glamorous look of alcohol in social media and in movies?
Do you drink in order to help you cope with life adjustments? (a new job, loss of job, moving, new mom, empty nest, feelings of loneliness, purposelessness, etc)
Would love to hear a conversation on the topic for nothing else except to become aware of something women are having to face. This post is to reveal facts not guilt. If you need help in handling difficult emotions reach out I would love to support you in your journey.
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