As we continue to adjust to life post-COVID, everyone is finding our own ways to cope in a rapidly changing world. Unfortunately, not every coping mechanism is good for us, and many are even detrimental to our health. One such coping mechanism is both dangerous as well as indicative of a troubling trend among women: Alcohol consumption.

On the surface, the idea of a hard-working adult woman drinking a glass or two to unwind after a stressful, busy day seems innocuous enough. After all, the relationship between humans and alcohol stretches back millennia. Early hominids, in fact, may have first consumed alcohol some 10 million years ago. And now in contemporary Australia, citizens are permitted to indulge in alcoholic beverages once they turn 18.

But the consumption of alcoholic beverages is far from an innocent act and can have serious consequences, including binge drinking. A major public health scourge, binge drinking is defined as the excessive consumption of beverages containing alcohol in a short period of time. Among women especially, the prevalence of binge drinking is staggering: According to the CDC, 18.2%  of women ages 18 to 44 were binge drinking between 2011 and 2013.

Alcohol consumption is on the rise stemming from COVID-fueled lockdowns, yet women are more likely to overindulge. The reasons behind alcohol’s rising popularity among women are complex and nuanced, and COVID-19 has also become part of the equation. Here’s what’s at stake, in regards to alcohol consumption and public health, as we roar further into the ‘20s.

Alcohol Consumption Trends Across History

As such a long history would suggest, the relationship between humans and alcohol can be a rocky one. Around the world, alcoholic beverages are heavily regulated, sometimes unjustly so. For example, women in Sri Lanka cannot legally purchase alcohol or work at a liquor store, as it is thought to damage the nation’s Buddhist values. 

Yet even in countries that lack gender-specific beverage bans, alcohol-related problems persist. And the unfortunate reality is that women are well aware of the double standards that exist regarding alcohol. Throughout history, women have been largely vilified and shamed when they overindulge in beverages that contain alcohol.

And in modern times, this old-fashioned, misogynistic mindset is readily apparent in binge drinking culture, which is prevalent on college campuses. Binge drinking is also an unfortunately common occurrence in various other social settings, from book clubs to parenting groups. Among adults, drinking is normalized and socially acceptable, and we tend to gloss over its negative aspects in the name of relaxation and self-care.

How Alcohol Affects Your Body and Mind

But make no mistake: the rise in alcohol consumption under the continued danger of COVID poses a major threat to public health. When it comes down to it, risky drinking is a dangerous endeavour. Along with the possibility of legal repercussions and motor vehicle accidents, heavy alcohol consumption can result in numerous health problems, both physical and mental.

Alcohol is classified as a depressant due to how it reacts with your brain and central nervous system. Specifically, alcohol consumption can impair your motor functions while also causing fluctuations in mood. A heightened mood and feelings of euphoria stemming from the alcohol in your bloodstream may further result in reduced inhibitions and impaired judgment.

Dropping Unhealthy Habits in the Name of Public Health

Of course, understanding the risks of alcohol consumption is only part of the story. Despite what we know about the negative effects of alcohol, drinking culture remains alive and well. For countless young people, drinking alcohol is somewhat of a rite of passage, ushering in adulthood.

Indeed, young people are the effective heart of binge drinking culture, which is centred around the nation’s colleges and universities. Many campuses enable a so-called “party culture,” in which drinking alcohol is unwittingly tolerated or even directly encouraged. It’s important to note that students from all walks of life can fall into a pattern of binge drinking.

Even non-traditional students, such as single mothers returning to school after a long absence, and online students are susceptible to the repercussions of binge-drinking culture. Today, more than ever, women should take charge of their health and avoid the temptation to overindulge in alcoholic beverages.

Key Takeaways

As young women may be the most at risk in regards to excessive alcohol consumption, so can you serve as the solution. Rather than imbibing in a glass of wine at the culmination of a stressful day, consider a healthier alternative, such as a mug of herbal tea. Although the switch may take some getting used to, we can all do our part to keep the negative effects of alcohol consumption at bay.

Guest post by Luke Smith