Women who do excessive drinking are at greater risk. CDC suggests excessive alcohol use among women is risks to women’s health. According to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance system data, it is reported that at least 40 % of adult women in the last 30 days were involved in drinking alcohol and at least 12 % of them were involved in binge drinking. [1] U.S dietary guidelines suggest that only one drink of alcohol per day must be consumed by women. Alcohol misuse by women can increase the chance of facing higher risks. [2] One of the reasons stated by National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism is that if a woman who weighs the same as man drink the same amount of alcohol, woman’s blood alcohol concentration will be higher because women bodies consists have less water compared to men which put women at greater risk. [5] So, what happens next? How does excessive drinking affect women’s health?

Some of the long-term health risks for women who drink excessive alcohol are as follows: Alcohol use disorder, liver damage, heart disease, brain damage, breast cancer, and fetal alcohol syndrome. [5] Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the brain disorder it is caused due to the inability to stop drinking alcohol because of emotional and physical dependence on alcohol. Alcohol use disorder ranges from mild to severe. [5] Treatment for AUD includes behavioral therapies and counseling such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, martial and family counseling, and brief interventions. Therapies and counseling can help change the behaviors of people who drink excessive alcohol. [3] Liver damage occurs to women as a consequence of drinking excessive alcohol. Treatments for liver damage include alcoholic rehabilitation program, multivitamins such as B-complex vitamins, liver transplant if it is affected by cirrhosis and vitamin A supplements. [8]

Source 1 : https://www.ailbsindia.com/alcoholic-liver-disease-symptoms-treatment/

Heart disease is caused by long-term, excessive and heavy drinking. Women are more likely to experience alcohol-related heart problems than men. Intake of excessive alcohol increases blood pressure which one of the risk factors for getting a stroke or heart attack. Excessive drinking can also make heart muscle weak which can cause heart failure and die. [6] Alcohol also affects the brain; it can also cause brain damage. Based on research alcohol misuse causes more brain damage to women than men because of their body size. Excessive consumption of alcohol directly affects the brain’s neurons and alcohol can damage or kill neurons. There is no treatment for alcohol-related brain damage. [4] Studies show that consuming alcohol can also lead to breast cancer. According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, women who take one drink a day have a 5-9 % higher chance of developing a risk of breast cancer than the women who don’t consume alcohol. [5]

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is caused by heavy drinking during pregnancy. Drinking during pregnancy can be harmful, it can interrupt the normal development of the brain and the face. It can also cause cognitive, behavioral, and physical problems in children. Interventions for FASD include school-based interventions, this can help children learn easily. Family support classes and groups help parents on taking care of child with FASD. Behavioral interventions for FASD children include training in problem-solving, personal safety, and personal safety. [7]

Source 2: https://eu.clipdealer.com/vector/media/A:97523658

References

1) Fact Sheets – Excessive Alcohol Use and Risks to Women’s Health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. March 7, 2016. https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/factsheets/alcohol.htm

2) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. Appendix 9: Alcohol. 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Eighth Edition. December 2015. Available at https://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines.

3) “Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) Treatment.” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 17 Apr. 2020, medlineplus.gov/alcoholusedisorderaudtreatment.html.

4) “Alcohol-Related Brain Damage.” Alcohol Rehab Guide, 8 Oct. 2019, www.alcoholrehabguide.org/resources/medical-conditions/alcohol-related-brain-damage/.

5) Women and Alcohol. (2020, February 24). Retrieved from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/women-and-alcohol

6) Alcohol and heart disease. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/alcohol-facts/health-effects-of-alcohol/diseases/alcohol-and-heart-disease

7) Fetal Alcohol Exposure. (2019, December 24). Retrieved from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/fetal-alcohol-exposure

8) Alcohol-Related Liver Disease. (2017, April 18). Retrieved from

https://www.healthline.com/health/alcoholism/liver-disease

9) Source: 1 https://www.ailbsindia.com/alcoholic-liver-disease-symptoms-treatment/

10) Source: 2 https://eu.clipdealer.com/vector/media/A:97523658

COVID-19 has brought many new changes in women’s lives. Due to the pandemic, many have lost their jobs and there was economic downturn. Research suggest that COVID-19 has negatively impacted women’s mental health such as increased depression, distress, low self-esteem, and anxiety. Additionally, it also led to excessive consumption of alcohol and drugs. (8)

According to a report there was a 50 % increase in alcohol sales and home delivery of alcohol also drastically increased about 300 % in March compared to January 2020. (3) People were stocking beforehand for social distancing. Some of the reason’s women are using alcohol during the pandemic is to treat their stress, worries, fears, anxiety, and depression. (1) Stress and anxiety are usually caused when they are locked in the house due to self-isolation, helping kids to finish up their school assignments, stress of loneliness, stress about job layoffs, stress with their newborn child, or fear of sleepless nights.

Source: https://sites.gsu.edu/whyshedrinks/2019/06/21/i-promise-not-to-drunk-dial-you-alcohol-you-later/

Especially, with the ongoing threat of coronavirus, women feel worried, anxious, and stressed for themselves or their loved ones. It is human nature that we all worry that something may happen to us. And when faced with unknown situations and circumstances we go through fear and doubts which may lead to self-medication. And some women choose alcohol as self-medication to calm their anxieties. (4)

Due to social distancing, it has become highly impossible for people to meet at the bars to socialize and drink. Another means of socializing these days is through social network sites. People are using social network as a way of expressing and communicating with each other.

https://www.facebook.com/TheWhiskyBarrelPub/photos/pb.1810695922333536.-2207520000../2817115131691605/?type=3&theater

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/416301559281337304/

Memes like these are widely spreading over the internet to encourage people in consumption of alcohol. There is a high possibility that memes are convincing women to consume alcohol during the COVID-19.

So, what are some ways to cope with stress during COVID-19?

CDC listed several ways to cope with stress during COVID-19. Firstly, they suggest that one must avoid alcohol and drugs. They also suggest taking breaks from listening to news stories, reading, or watching information about pandemic can help reduce stress because hearing stuff about COVID-19 repeatedly can affect a person’s mental health. Making connections with others such as talking with people who you trust will reduce one’s stress. Trying to do other activities that you enjoy can also calm a person’s anxiety. Additionally, they suggest it is important to take care of one’s body, such as mediation, taking deep breaths, stretch, eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get sufficient sleep at nights.(5)

Meditation can improve woman’s mind and reduce stress.(6) According to National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, many studies suggest that meditation can be helpful in number of conditions which includes, pain, psychological disorder, and high blood pressure. In general, mediation is a practice of mind and body. It increases calmness and relaxation to state of mind and body. (7) Mediation can be a powerful tool in treating women with anger, anxiety, depression, and stress. (6) Mediation practice during COVID-19 can be helpful in fighting stress. Based on the results 2014 study, mediation helped improve anxiety and depression of 3,515 participants. (7)

References:

(1) Abbey, A., Smith, M. J., & Scott, R. O. (1993). The relationship between reasons for drinking alcohol and alcohol consumption: An interactional approach. Addictive behaviors, 18(6), 659. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8178704/

(2) “Pin by T. Dubs on Memes – Alcohol: Alcoholic Drinks, Neon Signs.” Pinterest, www.pinterest.com/pin/416301559281337304/.

(3) “Stress Drinking: Alcohol Consumption Increases During COVID-19.” University of Utah Health, https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/shows.php?shows=0_p0xim6x3

(4) “Coronavirus (COVID-19) & Alcoholism.” Alcohol.org, www.alcohol.org/resources/coronavirus-and-alcoholism/.

(5) “Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 30 Apr. 2020, www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html.

(6) “Meditation Helps The Woman’s Mind: Less Stress, Anxiety, Addiction.” EOC Institute, eocinstitute.org/meditation/meditation-benefits-for-women/.

(7) “Meditation: In Depth.” National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nccih.nih.gov/health/meditation-in-depth.

(8) Panchal, Nirmita, et al. “The Implications of COVID-19 for Mental Health and Substance Use.” KFF, 21 Apr. 2020, www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/issue-brief/the-implications-of-covid-19-for-mental-health-and-substance-use/.

COVID-19 has brought many new changes in people’s lives. There is lot of uncertainty associated with this pandemic as many cases are increasing worldwide. Many people are losing jobs, there is lot of economic-uncertainty, social-distancing is causing many people to be lonely as they stay at home with gripping fear in their hearts. This is causing lot of anxiety and fear all around the world.

What are the Reasons associated with increase intake of alcohol in women during pandemic?

Some of the reasons associated with increase intake of alcohol in during pandemic are:

According to a report there was a 50 % increase in alcohol sales and home delivery of alcohol also drastically increased about 300 % in March when compared to January 2020. People were stocking beforehand for social distancing. A report suggests that women are using alcohol to treat their stress, worries, fears, anxiety, and depression. Stress and anxiety are usually caused when they are locked in the house due to self-isolation, helping kids to finish up their school assignments, stress of loneliness, stress about job layoffs, stress with their newborn child, or fear of sleepless nights.

 Source:https://sites.gsu.edu/whyshedrinks/2019/06/21/i-promise-not-to-drunk-dial-you-alcohol-you-later/

Especially, with ongoing threat of coronavirus, women feel worried, anxious, and stressed for themselves or their loved ones. It is human nature that we all worry that something may happen to us. And when faced with unknown situations and circumstances we go through fear and doubts which may lead to self-medication. And some women choose alcohol as self-medication to calm their anxieties.

According to the research, single mothers tend to drink more alcohol. Raising a child alone has greater responsibility and can be very exhaustive. It can be extremely challenging for a single parent to give their child the best life. Majority of single mothers face financial stress such as financial independence to pay rent, water bills, electricity, health care, food cost, transport or car registration, and school fees. These can trigger significant anxiety and stress among single mothers. Some single mothers think that the alcohol is the only way out to cope with the situations. Also, the research suggest more single mothers are relying on alcohol to be content.

Social influences can also play a significant factor in women’s likelihood of drinking alcohol.

  Source: https://www.verywellfamily.com/alcohol-breastfeeding-and-breast-milk-supply-431837

For example, a social setting such as parties or friends’ gatherings, where alcohol is widely used and encouraged, women are more likely to participate in drinking alcohol. Friends can be a big influence on drinking alcohol. If a friend is alcoholic, then it is more likely that they will influence others to do the same.

Due to the social distancing it has become highly impossible for people to meet at the bars to socialize and drink. Other means of socializing these days is through social network. People are using social network as way of expressing and communicating with each other.

  Source:https://www.facebook.com/TheWhiskyBarrelPub/photos/pb.1810695922333536.-2207520000../2817115131691605/?type=3&theater

Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/416301559281337304/

Memes like these are widely spreading over the internet to encourage people in consumption of alcohol. There is a high possibility that memes are convincing women to consume alcohol during the COVID-19.

References:

Abbey, A., Smith, M. J., & Scott, R. O. (1993). The relationship between reasons for drinking alcohol and alcohol consumption: An interactional approach. Addictive behaviors, 18(6), 659.

“Stress Drinking: Alcohol Consumption Increases During COVID-19.” University of Utah Health, healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/shows.php?shows=0_p0xim6x3.

“Pin by T. Dubs on Memes – Alcohol: Alcoholic Drinks, Neon Signs.” Pinterest, www.pinterest.com/pin/416301559281337304/.

“Coronavirus (COVID-19) & Alcoholism.” Alcohol.org, www.alcohol.org/resources/coronavirus-and-alcoholism/.

“Single Parents and Substance Abuse.” Drug and Alcohol Rehab Information and Resources – Alcohol Rehab, 25 Apr. 2019, alcoholrehab.com/drug-addiction/single-parents-and-substance-abuse/.

“Alcoholism And It’s Effects On Single Mothers.” Gatehouse Treatment, 1 May 2020, www.gatehousetreatment.com/single-mothers-womens-alcohol-addiction/.