A new study suggests that women are drinking as much or more than men.
The report, published in the medical journal BMJ Open, analysed 4 million people born between 1891 and 2001 and found that, historically, men were more likely to drink alcohol
Researchers believe the change is because drinks are cheaper, created for and marketed at women.
In Papua New Guinea, alcohol use and alcohol-use disorders have historically been viewed as a male phenomenon. But the times have changed and suggest that young and middle aged women in particular are partaking and should be the target to reduce the impact of substance use and related harms.
Women’s drinking has increased for a number of reasons. Those who have succeeded in obtaining jobs that were once the preserve of men– or found it necessary to become part of – the after-work drinking culture or the upbringing in the home, where drinking is a norm.
Some of the drinks now available have been targeted at young women who “pre-drink” while getting together to dress and do their make-up before a night out. Or the usual get togethers, fundraisings or bride price for example.
Alcohol advertising is also noticeable in TV programmes, newspapers and magazines aimed at women or through social media. For example, people reselling alcohol on Facebook.
The trend is now being common amongst the youth and for so becoming a norm in our society.
Women’s bodies do not tolerate alcohol as well as men’s, however, because they have a higher fat to water ratio. Because they have less water, the alcohol in their system remains more concentrated. They also have smaller livers than men, which makes it harder to process alcohol safely.
Read More: The New York Times
