Study Shows That Men Drink More, But Women Less Like To Ask For Help
A recent survey carried out by the Recovery Village showed that although men across the US and UK drink more, when it comes to excess, women are less likely to ask for professional help.
With around 90,000 people accepting some form of alcohol rehabilitation each year in the UK (Source: Help4Addiction), the gender split between those undergoing treatment was 72.7% for men and 27.3% for women (Source: Gov)
We look closely to understand the patterns from this survey.
Alcohol Consumption Patterns Compared
Traditionally, men have been more likely to engage in alcohol consumption and binge drinking. Social activities such as watching sports, playing golf, or gathering for drinks often incorporate alcohol, reinforcing its role in male socialization.
Statistics indicate that men are more likely to be current drinkers and partake in excessive alcohol use compared to women. Additionally, men have higher rates of alcohol-related hospitalizations and are almost twice as likely to binge drink as women.
However, recent trends show a shift in alcohol consumption among women. Marketing strategies targeting women have increased, especially in the hard seltzer category, normalizing alcohol as part of women’s social lives.
This shift raises concerns about alcohol becoming a significant women’s health issue. Despite men drinking more frequently, women often develop alcohol addictions faster and face more severe health consequences, including liver disease and cognitive decline.
Societal Influences and Stigma of Drinking
Societal pressures and gender roles significantly influence drinking behaviors. Men may feel compelled to drink due to social expectations, while women might use alcohol to cope with emotional distress or societal pressures.
Notably, women often face greater stigma regarding substance abuse, which can deter them from seeking help. This stigma, combined with responsibilities such as childcare, creates barriers for women in accessing treatment.
Treatment-Seeking Behaviors
Men and women differ in their approaches to seeking treatment for alcohol use disorders. Men are more likely to seek treatment, possibly due to less societal stigma or different coping mechanisms. In contrast, women are less likely to seek help, often due to fear of judgment or the impact on their family responsibilities. Understanding these differences is crucial for developing effective, gender-specific treatment programs.
Health Implications of Excessive Alcohol Consumption
The physiological differences between men and women lead to varied health outcomes related to alcohol use.
Women generally have higher blood alcohol levels than men after consuming the same amount, making them more susceptible to long-term health issues such as liver disease and cognitive decline. Men, while drinking more heavily, are more likely to experience alcohol-related hospitalizations and are at a higher risk of suicide associated with alcohol use.
Conclusion
Addressing alcohol use requires a nuanced understanding of gender-specific patterns, societal influences, and treatment barriers.
Tailoring prevention and treatment programs to consider these differences can improve outcomes for both men and women struggling with alcohol use disorders. Reducing stigma, increasing awareness, and providing accessible support are essential steps in addressing the complex relationship between gender and alcohol consumption.