Alcohol-Related Deaths Among Women Increasing at a Faster Rate Than Men, New Study Shows
A recent study has revealed a concerning trend: alcohol-related deaths among women are rising at a faster rate compared to men, particularly among individuals aged 65 and older. The study examined data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, analyzing over 600,000 deaths linked to alcohol between 1999 and 2020, including alcohol poisoning, alcoholic liver disease, alcoholic cardiomyopathy, acute intoxication, and mental and behavioral disorders associated with alcohol consumption, among other causes.
Historically, more men have died from alcohol-related causes, but this study demonstrates that the gap is narrowing. From 2018 to 2020, alcohol-related deaths increased by 12.5 percent per year for men and by 14.7 percent per year for women. The study specifically highlighted the rising rates among older women, showing that alcohol-related deaths among women aged 65 and older increased by 6.7 percent per year from 2012 to 2020, compared to a 5.2 percent increase per year for men in the same age range.
While the study does not pinpoint the exact reasons behind the rise in female alcohol-related deaths, Dr. Ibraheem Karaye, the lead author of the study and an assistant professor of population health at Hofstra University, proposed a few potential theories. First, rates of alcohol consumption seem to be increasing among women. Additionally, alcohol affects women differently as their bodies tend to have less fluid to dilute alcohol, resulting in higher blood-alcohol concentrations and potentially making them more vulnerable to health complications.
According to George F. Koob, the director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, women are also at higher risk for depression and anxiety, which may lead them to turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism, especially in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. Furthermore, older women often experience feelings of loneliness as they often outlive their partners, putting them at higher risk.
Dr. Karaye also suggested that the higher mortality rates among older women may stem from the accumulated toll that alcohol takes throughout one’s life. Even if women over 65 are not consuming more alcohol than younger individuals, they may be experiencing the long-term health effects of chronic drinking.
In light of these findings, it is important for individuals to re-evaluate their drinking habits and take steps to reduce their risk. Drinking less alcohol can have significant short-term and long-term health benefits. Johannes Thrul, an associate professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, emphasized that scaling back alcohol consumption can lower the chances of injuring oneself and reduce the potential for chronic health issues associated with alcohol use.
Dr. Karaye concurred, stating that reducing or eliminating alcohol exposure at any point in life can be valuable. Several experts recommended utilizing the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism’s guide titled “Rethinking Drinking.” This resource can help individuals evaluate their alcohol usage, create a plan to cut down or quit drinking, and determine if professional help is necessary.
For older adults questioning whether their drinking is problematic, Dr. Koob suggested considering a few factors. Alcohol consumption can deteriorate social interactions, disrupt sleep, impede regular exercise, and increase the likelihood of falls. Taking a few days off from drinking can also help individuals assess their relationship with alcohol. If they feel better during those days in terms of clarity and quality of sleep, it serves as a strong indication that cutting back on alcohol is advisable.
Holly Whitaker, author of “Quit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed With Alcohol,” advises against viewing alcohol use in a strictly binary manner. Instead, individuals should examine the net impact that alcohol has on their lives and evaluate whether it truly feels good or not.
Dr. Thrul recommends identifying the specific instances or occasions that trigger the desire to drink and planning ahead by considering alternatives, such as the growing range of alcohol-free beverages. Ultimately, society is beginning to understand that low-risk drinking may entail abstaining from alcohol altogether.
In conclusion, the study’s findings highlight the concerning increase in alcohol-related deaths among women, particularly in older age groups. Understanding the potential health risks associated with alcohol consumption and re-evaluating drinking habits can help individuals reduce their risk and improve their overall well-being.