1 Reason Experts Say Drinking Booze Is On The Rise in the US
Women.
Yep. Women drinking booze is on the rise in the US.
And it’s the number one reason experts say overall drinking is on the rise in the US.
A new study reveals Americans are now drinking just as much alcohol as they did during the Civil War.
THE CIVIL WAR!
And women are responsible for the spike.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism found the average American consumes 50 percent more wine and 60 percent more hard alcohol than in 1995.
“The story is women,” Iowa State University’s Susan Stewart told TheHill.com. “Wines are marketed to women. The fancy labels with the flowers on them and the pretty colors. It’s infiltrated our daily activities that didn’t typically involve alcohol, like sporting events, or a 5K. There’s a beer tent at the end.”
Back in the day, men outnumbered women three to one in drinking and binge drinking, Now, the ratio of men and women drinking is about even.
“We have the whole idea of ‘wine moms,’ women who have a glass of wine after a long day of looking after the kids,” Rod Phillips, a professor of history at Carleton University, told thehill.com.
Excessive drinking among women is a concerning trend that has witnessed a significant rise in recent years.
And this poses lots of risks to their health and well-being.
Life happens between coffee and wine?
Maybe it shouldn’t.
Some blame it on societal shifts. Changing gender roles and expectations have led to higher stress levels, resulting in women turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Plus, marketing strategies targeted specifically towards women have normalized drinking as a form of relaxation and self-care.
It’s Wine O’Clock?
The rise of social media has played a role in glamorizing excessive drinking among women.
Instagram, Facebook, TikTok often showcase alcohol consumption as a symbol of fun and liberation, influencing young women to emulate such behaviors. And don’t even get me started on the all the slogans: “This mom runs on coffee, wine and Amazon Prime” to “When Life Gives You Lemons, Find Some Vodka”.
Peer pressure and the desire to fit in further encourage excessive drinking.
Mommy Needs Wine?
But does she? The physical and mental health consequences of excessive drinking for women are severe. Alcohol abuse increases the risk of liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and certain types of cancer.
It can also exacerbate mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, leading to a dangerous cycle of self-destructive behavior.
Luckily there are all sorts of new mocktails out there. Lighten up ladies!