The role of alcohol in women's lives: A review of issues and responses

This review addresses some of the issues related to women's drinking at a time when this is extremely topical. Evidence suggests that there has been a marked increase in alcohol consumption amongst young women in the United Kingdom (UK). Teenage girls have even been shown to be engaging in 'binge' or 'heavy episodic' drinking more than their male counterparts. Levels of adverse effects, such as liver disease and psychiatric hospital admissions amongst young women have been increasing. Some of the factors associated with these changes are considered. These include changing social roles, feminism, gender stereotypes, occupation and advertising. Some of the powerful positive effects associated with the consumption of beverage alcohol are considered, together with the adverse consequences. The latter include both acute consequences, such as intoxication, injuries and accidents, as well as long-term or chronic consequences, such as liver disease, cancer and alcohol dependence. This review also describes some of the available evidence related to treatment for alcohol problems amongst women including special populations, relapse and the issue of professional training. Finally, the implications for both alcohol control policy and research into alcohol-related issues are considered. It is concluded that existing UK alcohol policies are not fully evidence based. Moreover, research into beverage alcohol in the UK is severely under-funded