Statistics for alcoholism in women

Some general statistics on women and drinking, according to the Women's Health USA 2006 report, are presented below:

• Fifteen percent of females 12 or older are binge drinkers (five or more drinks in succession at least once in the past month)
  
  
• Thirty-one percent American women 18 to 25 experienced binge drinking.
  
  
• Twenty-three percent of non-pregnant and three percent of pregnant women ages 15 to 44 experienced binge drinking

Factors that may predispose some women to excessive drinking include:

• A family background of heavy drinking
• A history of sexual abuse
• Low self-esteem
• Traumatic life events
• Eating disorders
• Depression
• A lack of multiple roles (e.g., wife, mother, employee)

In many cases, the drinking habits of women are linked to those of their spouses, siblings and close friends. Women’s drinking habits are based in large part on cultural influences, social life, race, economic status, age, mental status and genetic inheritance. Many alcoholics have discovered that giving up alcohol also means making major changes in friendships, working relationships and other aspects of life. People wishing to seek help for the alcoholism of either themselves or a friend are encouraged to take the first step by speaking to a healthcare professional.