
Diving into Alcohol's Toll on Women's Bodies and Minds



In the 8 year span covered in the graphics above, women have made tremendous advances in gaining equity to their male counterparts and continue to attack the glass ceiling. However, one could question if women have picked up some habits that may be detrimental to their health and wellbeing.
How could it be that in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, women are suffering and dying from a completely preventable condition? And at what point are we willing to admit there is something seriously wrong?
Before we go any deeper, let's establish some of the alcohol consumption guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Imagine: It's been a long day. You had to use the phrase "per my last email" at least five times, your car began to make a weird noise on your commute home (which took twice as long thanks to a huge accident at your exit), while stuck in traffic, you receive an alert regarding fraudulent charges on your credit card. When you finally get home, there are piles of dishes, dinner to be made, and dog puke in the middle of the living room.
Every year, the National Health Information Survey (NHIS) polls thousands of Americans across the country to gather information on their physical and mental wellbeing. In 2018, the NHIS gathered the following data regarding drinking habits and depression.

The NHIS data further suggests that as a person's habit of drinking became more heavy, the regularity of depression and anxiety rose. Many other studies have also shown a positive relation between alcohol use and depression. It's a "chicken or the egg" situation as it is not entirely clear which comes first: the depression or the drinking. However, the connection is clear.
Explore below how depression/anxiety and the use of antidepressants are correlated to the level of alcohol consumption.
By now you're thinking, "Man, we must all be f*cked"... not so fast. Yeah, alcohol erodes our bodies and wreaks havoc on our brains, but that damage is reversible for most.
If you are considering full abstinence from drinking, please check for signs of dependence.
- Can't keep to just one (1) drink
- Blacking out or cannot recall the events of the evening before
- Feeling hung over even when not drinking
- Higher tolerance
- Cannot stick with cutting back
If you experience any of these symptoms, please consult a doctor before you quit drinking. Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptom (PAWS) can be deadly, so it is important to work with a professional to begin your sober journey. Check out the Soberful episode on PAWS in the resource links below for more information on why safe withdrawal is critical.
Resources
These books and podcasts are great introductions to the world of alcohol-free living. All are personal accounts that are honest and engaging, as well as major inspirations and sources of information for this piece. Scroll through to learn more.