A new study has found that young women in the US are now binge drinking more than their male peers, reversing a long-standing trend. According to data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, women ages 18-25 reported higher rates of binge drinking than men in the same age group between 2021 and 2023.
Binge drinking is defined as having five or more drinks for men or four or more for women within a two-to-three-hour period. The study’s lead author, Dr. Bryant Shuey, warns that this shift has significant health implications, including an increased risk of liver disease and cancer.
While men overall still drink more heavily, the trend among young adult women is concerning. Shuey attributes it to cultural changes, targeted marketing towards women, and a growing presence in the workforce.
The medical community is calling for better screening and intervention strategies, such as brief counseling interventions during routine medical visits. These can reduce alcohol consumption by up to 30% over six to 12 months.
The study’s findings underscore the need for public awareness and education about the harms of excessive drinking, particularly for women. As Shuey says, “We need more education around the harms of alcohol use and how the same amount can pose greater health risks for women than men.”
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Wellness/young-women-now-binge-drink-young-men/story?id=120871778