Women and Alcohol

So much has been written on the topic of alcoholism but, outside academic publication, information about women and alcohol is hard to find. Bookstores usually stock a shelf of 12-Step materials (the “approved” literature of A.A.), and a couple of shelves on alcohol dependence that treat the problem as if it were the same for women and men. A book will soon be released that will be the first survey book to look at drinking habits in the context of a woman’s whole lifespan. The title of the book is “Happy Hours: Alcohol in a woman’s Life” by Devon Jersild.

                In this important book, Jersild explores the common cultural forces that influence a woman’s drinking; trauma, sexual abuse, and marital status. Jersild has spoken to treatment specialists, doctors, therapists, and counselors, and interviewed women who share their often-dramatic stories.

                Her research findings will act as a wake-up call to many women who are in the dark about the effect of drinking on their mental and physical health. For example:

                *Women get addicted to alcohol more quickly than men, and the interval between heavy drinking and the onset of organ damage is shorter than men.

                *At one drink a day, a woman’s risk of breast cancer increases by 30%, at over 14 drinks a week, it doubles.

                *Women alcoholics are more likely than male alcoholics to have a mental disorder.

                *The rate of alcoholism among the young is rising.

                Alcohol in a Woman’s Life is not just about alcoholics. It is aimed at any woman who has ever wondered whether she drinks too heavily or too often, and anyone who has a sister, mother, grandmother, child, or friend whose drinking has caused them concern.

                Next month we will feature a segment from this interesting book, but in the meantime, we would like your feedback on the subject of Women and Alcohol. Please forward your thoughts to us by clicking the button below and writing “woman and alcohol” in the subject area of your e-mail. I would also like to see some discussion on the subject in our “Discussion Group” site. Speak up, ladies!

 

                Until next time,

                Christine D.

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Happy Hours: Alcohol in a Woman's Life

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