British Women and alcohol

In countries where drinking alcohol in the norm, such as ours, the men drank far more than the Women and hence men encounter more alcohol related problems.
Sadly in the last 20 or so years, the difference has narrowed considerably and the women have caught up.

Women are now drinking far more then ever before and this has also led to all other alcohol related difficulties faced by them.

A marked increase has been noted in teenagers, and especially in girls. Our Girls have become heavy drinkers and they do this particularly at weekends.
A woman drinking is fashionable and is seen as bringing out the independence in her.

The Number of women arrested for drink related offences has increased by nearly 60% and this also included serious crimes.

It is worth noting that this includes well educated young professional women who work in competition with men, particularly in all levels of management. They tend to be career women who have given up their traditional role as house wives and mothers.

It is interesting to note that traditionally it was the working class men who drank large amounts but today it is more educated women and this also includes women higher up the social ladder.

The reason why women may be doing this can be seen in the changing role of our women in society and their attitude and behaviour towards alcohol.

The changing of roles has brought new opportunities to drink than before and unlike before, women seen drinking openly has become socially acceptable but may be frowned up if they now do not conform.

We have seen incomes go up and generally this can bee seen in the increase of cars per household. The amount of money available has led to greater financial independence with not many on whom this can be spent, no family responsibilities.

All this mixed with the huge number of different variations in the different form of alcohol particularly aimed at the women has made it all too easy and enticing to try all the new varieties.

There is a big increase in women treated younger then ever before with a variety of alcohol related illnesses effecting women only.

Full report can be read - http://www.ias.org.uk/resources/factsheets/women.pdf